Diözesanmuseum Rottenburg

About the museum

The Diözesanmuseum (diocesan museum) is one of the oldest diocesan museums in Germany. It began in 1862 when Bishop Josef von Lipp acquired the collection of early Swabian panel paintings belonging to Johann Georg Dursch, a parish priest in Rottweil. In 1894 Bishop Paul Wilhelm von Keppler gave the museum a mission: it was to protect church art no longer in use from decay and sale, catalog the holdings scientifically, and introduce future clergy to religious art. Goldsmiths' work was also added under him.

For a long time the works were housed in rooms of the Bischöfliches Ordinariat (diocesan administration). From 1991 the Stuttgart architect Eckehard Janofske converted the Baroque church of the former Carmelite monastery: an inserted concrete shelving structure has since held the diocesan library, while the historic church interior can once again be experienced at its full height. The treasury was created beneath the choir. The museum and library opened in September 1996.

The collection includes late medieval panel paintings from Swabia and the Netherlands, sculptures from Hans Multscher to Jörg Lederer, Swabian folk art, liturgical vestments, goldsmiths' work dating back to the early Middle Ages, and the largest collection of reliquary glasses in the German-speaking world. In special exhibitions, contemporary art enters into dialogue with the historic works.

In 2024/25 the museum was renovated with the help of a private bequest, made largely accessible and redesigned under the motto "Mach Dir ein Bild" (See for yourself); it reopened in November 2025. A satellite site with archaeological finds is located in the lower church of the Sülchenkirche.

Highlights

• Late Gothic panel paintings, including works by the Master of Meßkirch and the Master of the Rieden Altarpiece
• Sculptures by Hans Multscher, Niklaus Weckmann and Jörg Lederer
• Treasury with the 7th-century Ennabeuren purse reliquary
• Largest collection of reliquary glasses in the German-speaking world
• Baroque church of the former Carmelite monastery as exhibition space

Permanent exhibitions

• Mach Dir ein Bild – The collection presentation, newly installed in 2025, opens up late medieval paintings and sculptures through themes such as family, friendship and identity and invites visitors to make their own discoveries.
• Schatzkammer – In the basement beneath the former choir: liturgical objects, vestments, episcopal insignia and the extensive collection of reliquary glasses.

Founded

1862

Operated by

Diözese Rottenburg-Stuttgart (Bischöfliches Ordinariat, Fachbereich Kunst)

Director

Melanie Prange

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the AlbCard. Please have the exact admission fee ready; online reservation is possible, payment is made at the ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description

All rooms except the treasury are accessible; wheelchair ramp at the entrance, wheelchair-accessible exhibition design, analog guidance systems and seating. Audio guide for blind and visually impaired visitors, subtitled media, tours in Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) on request. Accessible parking spaces near the entrance can be reserved on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Hands-on corner in the entrance area for trying things out, reading and playing (free). Children's tours, creative workshops and family programs in the annual program; private tours and workshops for families can be booked. Digital museum case "Mach mal bunt!" (Add some color!) all about colors for children of elementary school age and up. From October 2026, an additional creative space, "Aula Ulrich", next to the museum.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Old Town in the building complex of the seminary, Hirscherhaus and diocesan library.

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