Deutsches Schiefermuseum
Museum on the slate pencil and slate industry in Steinach's palace, shared with the “Steinacher Spielzeugschachtel” toy museum.
About the museum
For centuries, Steinach in the Thuringian Slate Mountains was a center of slate pencil production: until the 1960s, the local pencil slate was turned into billions of styluses for writing slates that were shipped all over the world. To preserve this tradition, the Museumsverein Schieferbergbau Steinach (slate mining museum association) was founded in 1987.
In April 1990, the association opened a small local history room in Steinach's palace, built between 1747 and 1755, and gradually expanded it. In 1996, the institution was recognized as the Deutsches Schiefermuseum (German Slate Museum). The exhibition covers the making of slate pencils and writing slates, roofing, slate painting, German slate deposits, and the geology of the region; a 1940 classroom, a replica slate-pencil maker's hut, and a large model mine railway bring the working world to life.
In the same building, the “Steinacher Spielzeugschachtel” presents more than 1,000 objects illustrating the town's production of wooden goods and toys. The toy museum first existed from 1936 to 1961 and was re-established after German reunification. An art floor is devoted to artists from Steinach, including the Bauhaus student Hans Joachim Breustedt.
Highlights
- History of Steinach's slate pencil industry
- Hands-on classroom from 1940
- Replica slate-pencil maker's hut and home worker's parlor
- 17 m² model mine railway layout
- “Steinacher Spielzeugschachtel” toy museum in the same building
Permanent exhibitions
- Deutsches Schiefermuseum – Slate pencil and writing slate production, slate mining, roofing, and slate art, with a historic classroom and a model mine railway.
- Steinacher Spielzeugschachtel – More than 1,000 toys made in Steinach, from wooden animals to model ships and papier-mâché nativity figures.
- Kunstetage: Hans Joachim Breustedt – Works by the painter born in Steinach in 1901, whose path led via the Bauhaus to Austria and Switzerland.
- Founded
- 1990
- Operated by
- Stadt Steinach
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Children aged 6 and over, school and university students, people doing military or alternative civilian service, people with disabilities, social welfare recipients, retirees, and pensioners |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 6 · The price list gives free admission “up to age 6” and a reduced rate “from age 6.” |
| Seniors | €4Retirees and pensioners |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4 |
| Students & apprentices | €4 |
| Groups (20+ people) | €4 per personReduced rate of €3 per person; group leaders and tour guides free. Guided tour an additional €15 (max. 40 people). |
| Families | €10Up to 2 adults and at least 1 child |
School classes €2 per person (including teachers); daycare centers and schools from Steinach and Lauscha free. Discount with the Steinach guest card or the Thüringer Wald Card. One ticket is valid for both the slate museum and the Spielzeugschachtel.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €10 · Up to 2 adults and at least 1 child |
- Hands-on stations
In the historic 1940 classroom, visitors can sit at the school desks and write with slate pencils. Family ticket available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Steinach
Steinach station (Süd-Thüringen-Bahn); bus stop at the station, lines 705 and 706.
By car
Parking available
Parking on Hennersgasse and at the Marktplatz.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours for an extra charge by appointment. The museum association organizes lectures and changing special exhibitions. |
