Deutsches Schweinemuseum
The only museum in Germany devoted solely to the domestic pig as a farm animal – run by volunteers in Teltow-Ruhlsdorf.
About the museum
Ruhlsdorf, on the southern edge of Berlin, is closely linked to research on pig farming: in 1918 Germany's first experimental farm dedicated specifically to the breeding, feeding and keeping of pigs was established here. Out of this setting, a museum was set up in 1993 to document the development of pig farming for experts and laypeople alike.
The museum is housed in the former model construction workshop on the grounds of the former teaching and experimental farm, which today belongs to a Brandenburg state authority. It is run by the Förderverein Deutsches Schweinemuseum Ruhlsdorf, a friends' association founded in 1997, whose members – including associations and organizations from pig production – open the museum and give guided tours on a volunteer basis.
Across roughly 500 square meters, themed rooms lead from the domestication of the wild boar through the history of breeding, reproduction and performance testing to the use of the animal and its role in cultural history. The collection comprises several thousand objects, including specimens, breeding and stable equipment, documents, ceramics, coins, and leather and bristle goods, plus an agricultural history photo collection and a specialist library. Changing special exhibitions take up individual topics; in 2010 the Gesellschaft für Agrargeschichte (Society for Agricultural History) recognized the museum as agricultural cultural heritage.
Highlights
- About 500 m² of exhibition space on the history of pig farming in Germany
- Themed rooms from domestication to modern performance testing
- Specimens and historic breeding and stable equipment
- Cultural history objects such as ceramics, coins, and leather and bristle goods
- Agricultural history photo collection and specialist library
Permanent exhibitions
- Das Nutztier Schwein – Themed rooms on the origins, breeding history, reproduction, performance testing, uses and cultural history of the domestic pig, with specimens, equipment and documents.
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Förderverein Deutsches Schweinemuseum Ruhlsdorf e.V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 14 · Children up to age 14 free. |
| Groups | –Guided tours for groups by arrangement; surcharge €1 per person. |
| Guided tour (surcharge per person) | €1 |
The website's home page does not say who is eligible for reduced admission (an older subpage lists students, retirees and the unemployed).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Teltow, Ruhlsdorf · 400 m
Bus lines 602, 621 and 626 to the Teltow, Ruhlsdorf stop (approx. 400 m, according to berlin.de).
By car via the A 10, exit Ludwigsfelde (West or Ost), toward Teltow.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum is run by volunteers; groups can arrange expert guided tours tailored to specific topics via email or phone. |
