February 1, 2026 – October 18, 2026
Spuren legen. Mit Materialität erzählen
Eight contemporary artists use materials such as costume jewelry, electronic waste or toys to tell stories about consumption, society and gender roles.
Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus
Exhibition venue for contemporary jewelry and holloware in the rebuilt half-timbered town hall on Altstädter Markt in Hanau.
Opening hoursAdmission from €5
Current exhibitions
May 9, 2026 – October 18, 2026
Friedrich Becker Preis 2026
Exhibition for the internationally open prize for jewelry and holloware, featuring the works of the finalists from several continents.
June 5, 2026 – November 20, 2026
Paul Derrez. Celebrating life
The first comprehensive retrospective in Germany of the Amsterdam jewelry artist and gallerist, with jewelry, silverware and objects from five decades.
March 4, 2025 – December 31, 2027
Aus dem Depot. Eine Bestandsaufnahme
Collection display on the development of jewelry since 1950 – from the classic goldsmith's piece to artistic art jewelry – and on the history of the building.
About the museum
The building was constructed in 1537/38 as the town hall of Hanau's old town, a half-timbered structure on a stone ground floor. After the town administration moved out, the Hanau history society used the building around 1900 for a museum of local history.
On the initiative of Berlin jeweler Ferdinand Richard Wilm, the town hall was converted in 1942 into a house for the gold- and silversmithing trade and inaugurated in October of that year – a link to Hanau's tradition as a goldsmithing town since Dutch and Walloon craftsmen settled there around 1600 and the Zeichenakademie (drawing academy) was founded in 1772. In March 1945 bombs destroyed the building.
Reconstruction was completed in 1958, and since then the design of jewelry and holloware has been the focus. After an interior renovation, the building reopened in 1982; an elevator and accessible restrooms followed in 2004/05, and a renewed entrance area in 2019. It is run by the Gesellschaft für Goldschmiedekunst (Society for Goldsmiths' Art), which organizes competitions such as the Friedrich-Becker-Preis and looks after a collection of jewelry and tableware from after 1945.
Highlights
- Changing exhibitions of international art jewelry and holloware
- Collection display “Aus dem Depot” (From the Storeroom) on the development of jewelry since 1950
- Historic Altstädter Rathaus (old town hall) from 1537/38 on Altstädter Markt
- Exhibition for the Friedrich-Becker-Preis
- Goldsmithing workshops for children
- Founded
- 1942
- Operated by
- Gesellschaft für Goldschmiedekunst e. V.
- Director
- Malte Guttek
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50School students, university students, apprentices, FSJ/FÖJ volunteers (voluntary social/ecological year), people with severe disabilities, unemployed people, holders of the Hanau-Pass, Ehrenamtscard (volunteer card) or RheinMain-Card |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Children and young people up to 18 free. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2.50companion free · Reduced; registered companions free. |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €2.50 per person10 people or more; group tour €50 (in English or outside opening hours €65) plus admission. |
| Public Sunday tour (15:00, approx. 60 min.) | €7per person |
Free admission also for members of the Gesellschaft für Goldschmiedekunst, students of the Staatliche Zeichenakademie, refugees and those accompanying them, ICOM card holders, members of the Bundesverband Kunsthandwerk (Federal Crafts Association) and the press.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the building's history, it was converted for accessibility in 2004/05 (elevator, restrooms); there is no dedicated accessibility page.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Goldsmithing workshops for children ages 8 and up (2 hours, 6–10 children, Tue–Sun by registration, also available in English and Italian) – for school holidays or children's birthday parties; plus occasional family workshops.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Public guided tours on Sundays at 15:00 (€7); group tours by registration. |
