May 10, 2026 – December 6, 2026
Im Takt der Blätter – Vom Kartentisch zum Plattenteller
Probably the last exhibition at this location: playing cards with a connection to music from all eras, combined with record covers and listening samples.
Deutsches Spielkartenmuseum
One of the largest public playing card collections in Europe, in Leinfelden – a branch of the Landesmuseum Württemberg; closure announced for the end of 2026.
Opening hoursFree admission
Current exhibitions
About the museum
Its roots lie in Altenburg, the home of the card game Skat: there, the collectors Julius Benndorf and Carl Schneider set up a playing card museum in the castle in 1923. After World War II, the Altenburg playing card factory ASS was dismantled; the company, newly founded in the West, built up a new collection in Leinfelden, acquiring among other things the holdings of Martin von Hase and Franz von Hauslab.
From 1955 to 1972 the museum was on display at the Sparrenburg castle in Bielefeld and was expanded with further private collections. In 1974 it moved to Leinfelden-Echterdingen, and since 1982 it has been a branch of the Landesmuseum Württemberg (Württemberg State Museum), operated jointly with the town of Leinfelden-Echterdingen.
The holdings comprise more than 30,000 card decks with over a million individual cards from seven centuries, including particularly rich holdings from Asia and India, as well as printing blocks, card presses, prints and gaming tables. In 2012 the town discontinued regular exhibition operations for cost reasons; since 2024 the museum has again been open on set afternoons.
The town council has terminated the cooperation agreement with the state as of the end of 2026. The current exhibition is considered the last one at this location; what will happen to the collection afterward remains open.
Highlights
- More than 30,000 card decks from seven centuries
- Extensive collection of Asian and Indian playing cards
- Printing blocks, card presses and historic gaming tables
- Exhibition "Im Takt der Blätter" on playing cards and music
- Free admission
- Founded
- 1923
- Operated by
- Stadt Leinfelden-Echterdingen und Landesmuseum Württemberg
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission; group tours are subject to a fee.
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
Spielkartenmuseum
S-Bahn S2/S3 and light rail U5 to Leinfelden or Leinfelden Neuer Markt; bus lines 82, 86, 814 and 826 to the Spielkartenmuseum stop.
By car
Parking available
Parking in front of the building.
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 |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Free guided tours on the Sunday opening days; group tours for a fee by registration at 0711 7560120 or spielkartenmuseum@le-mail.de. |
