Domherrenhaus. Historisches Museum Verden

About the museum

The museum is run by a non-profit association founded in 1919. Since 1937 the collection has been housed in the Domherrenhaus, a Baroque courtyard complex from 1708 just a few steps from Verden Cathedral. On three floors and around 900 square metres, the museum conveys more than a thousand years of history of the town and the region.

On the ground floor the tour begins with prehistory and early history, redesigned in 1998. Its most famous piece is the Lehringen Spear: the wooden spear was discovered in 1948 together with the bones of a forest elephant in a marl pit and is among the oldest surviving hunting weapons in the world. Many of the finds in this section were collected over decades by a volunteer researcher; in this area visitors may touch and try out much of what is on display. A town model from 1663 recalls the union of the Norderstadt and Süderstadt.

The upper floor deals with domestic and everyday culture of the 18th and 19th centuries, garrison history, a pharmacy and complete craftsmen's workshops from the clog maker to the pewterer, whose roughly 400 casting moulds can be seen in the tin figure cabinet. The Beckmann Room, furnished in the style of the early 20th century, also serves as the wedding room of the registry office. Special exhibitions and cultural events complement the programme.

Highlights

• Lehringen Spear – one of the oldest hunting weapons in the world
• Staged Stone Age elephant hunt
• Model of Verden around 1663
• Tin figure cabinet with historical casting moulds
• Beckmann Room furnished in the style of the early 20th century
• Baroque courtyard with historical stoneware

Permanent exhibitions

• Vor- und Frühgeschichte mit dem Schatz von Lehringen – A journey through time from the Old Stone Age to the Roman Imperial period with numerous finds from the region; the highlight is the Lehringen Spear. Many stations invite visitors to touch.
• Verdener Stadt- und Bistumsgeschichte – From the founding of the diocese around 800 through the destruction of the Thirty Years' War to the union of the Norderstadt and Süderstadt, presented among other things through a town model from 1663.
• Wohn- und Alltagskultur und traditionsreiches Handwerk – Middle-class living rooms of the 18th and 19th centuries and fully furnished workshops of urban craftsmen, including the tin figure cabinet.

Founded

1937

Operated by

Historisches Museum Domherrenhaus e. V.

Director

Frauke Müller

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

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

Step-free access to the building; offers for visitors with visual impairments and seating in the exhibition.

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

Children up to 13 years have free admission. In the prehistory and early history section much can be touched and tried out; the museum mouse Phibie accompanies the museum education programmes. Children's birthday parties for 6- to 12-year-olds (up to 10 children, 2 hours, €70) with themes such as pirates, Stone Age or knights, as well as the spooky tour “Abends allein im Museum”; holiday programmes with the town of Verden and a bookable museum case. Play corner available.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A27 (exit Verden-Ost, towards the centre/cathedral) or the B 215. The museum is about a two-minute walk from the cathedral.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 25 guests.

Civil weddings in the Beckmann Room (max. 25 people including the couple, usage fee €150); first arrange the date with the Verden registry office; drinks reception possible on the ground floor or in the courtyard.

Plan your visit