Deutsches Pferdemuseum

About the museum

The foundation was laid by the Verdener Heimatbund (local history society), which began collecting material on horses in the region after its founding in 1918; a collection folder from 1924 is regarded as the nucleus. The driving forces were Wilhelm Ahrens and the hippologist Erich Clausen, who looked after the collection on a voluntary basis until 1969.

In 1965 the horse museum was separated from the Heimatbund as an independent institution under the name Deutsches Pferdemuseum. Under Clausen's successor Hans Joachim Köhler, the hippological library grew considerably, and in 1974 the museum received a replica of the Tempelhüter monument as its landmark. Until 1999 the museum was housed in a half-timbered building in the old town.

In 2000 it moved into the stables and barracks rooms of the neoclassical cavalry barracks of 1831 on Holzmarkt. Across roughly 1,600 square meters, the exhibition leads from the evolution of the horse through agriculture, mining, the military, and the horse trade to equestrian sport; the estate of dressage rider Josef Neckermann is also on display.

The museum includes a large photo archive and a hippological library of around 18,000 titles. In 2025 the museum received the Museumsgütesiegel Niedersachsen und Bremen (museum quality seal of Lower Saxony and Bremen) for the second time.

Highlights

• Life-size model of the prehistoric horse
• Carriage and riding simulator to try out
• Estate of dressage rider Josef Neckermann
• Ceremonial harnesses and paintings from the House of Hanover
• Hippological library with around 18,000 titles
• Escape tour through the museum

Permanent exhibitions

• Die Geschichte der Pferde erleben – The permanent exhibition traces the shared history of humans and horses from the prehistoric horse 55 million years ago to today's equestrian sport – with many hands-on stations.
• Historisches Spielzeug – Next to the museum shop, a small exhibition with free admission shows toys related to horses, from marionettes to a children's carousel.

Founded

1965

Operated by

Deutsches Pferdemuseum e.V.

Director

Christine Rüppell

Admission & discounts

Members of the sponsoring association and groups of registered riding clubs (11 people or more) have free admission. Guided tours in High or Low German €40, in English, French, or Polish €50 (each plus admission). Flat-rate museum education programs: preschool groups €40, elementary school classes €65, grades 5–13 €85, "Mensch & Pferd" (humans and horses) learning circuit €95.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

Ground-level main entrance; elevators to the upper exhibition areas, the special exhibition, and the museum education area. Loaner wheelchairs free of charge at the ticket desk. Elevators lead from the underground parking garage to the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's stations in the permanent exhibition, a carriage and riding simulator, and free puzzle rallies at the ticket desk. Children's birthday parties for elementary school children with six themes (about 2 hours, up to 10 children). Museum education offers changing programs, such as carriage rides for families.

Getting there & parking

Take the A 27, exit Verden-Ost, toward the center. The museum is located in the former cavalry barracks on Holzmarkt next to the E-Center and across from the Stadthalle.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books, model horses, and gifts; next to it an exhibition of historical toys with a children's carousel and coffee service, accessible without an admission ticket. Dogs are not allowed in the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

Stable aisle for up to 100 people and Stuckraum (stucco room, the former officers' mess) for up to 50 people, e.g., for meetings and conferences. The Stuckraum is an official wedding room of the city of Verden (weddings Tue–Sat, appointments through the registry office).

Plan your visit