Dommuseum Frankfurt

About the museum

The Dommuseum opened in 1987 in the cloister of the Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus. The cloister dates from the early 15th century; despite later destruction and alterations, its tracery windows and vaults still convey an impression of its original appearance. The museum is run by the Diocese of Limburg.

The collection goes back to the cathedral's once-rich church treasury, only part of which has survived the centuries. Many pieces date from the Baroque period; others were added in the 19th century. In 2006 a branch, the "Sakristeum," opened in the neighboring Haus am Dom, with the treasures of St. Leonhard and the Liebfrauenkirche, including objects from dissolved Frankfurt monasteries.

Among the most important exhibits are the grave goods from a burial of two children made around 700, discovered in 1991 during excavations in the cathedral: fine gold jewelry, glass and clay vessels, amulets, and small toys. Other focal points are medieval and Baroque vestments and the cathedral's role as the site of elections and coronations of the Holy Roman emperors. In 2017 the museum was renovated and the collection rearranged. The Dommuseum also organizes the cathedral tours and looks after the exhibition in the Türmerstube (tower keeper's room) of the cathedral tower.

Highlights

• Grave goods from a children's grave from around 700, with gold jewelry and toys
• Medieval and Baroque vestments from the cathedral treasury
• Cloister of the Kaiserdom from the early 15th century
• Public cathedral tour including the high choir and the Bartholomew wall paintings, included in admission
• Climb the 95 m cathedral tower, with an exhibition in the Türmerstube

Permanent exhibitions

• Kirchenschätze im Kreuzgang des Kaiserdoms – Goldsmith work, vestments, and finds on the building history of the cathedral, including the early medieval children's grave, as well as evidence of the imperial elections and coronations.
• Licht und Farbe. Wie das Göttliche sich zeigt – Exhibition in the Haus am Dom on the symbolism of light, gold, and liturgical colors in church interiors and furnishings; closed from October 12 to November 18, 2026.
• Turm und Stadt, oder: Wofür man einen Domturm braucht – Small exhibition in the Türmerstube of the cathedral tower on more than 600 years of tower history, with pictures, audio pieces, and an animation; open only on weekends and public holidays.

Founded

1987

Operated by

Bistum Limburg

Director

Bettina Schmitt

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Satourday: free admission on the last Saturday of every month (in August on the second-to-last Saturday)

The public cathedral tour (Fri–Sun 15:00) is included in museum admission. Free with MuseumsuferCard and MuseumsuferTicket, KUFTI, Ehrenamtscard, and ICOM.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

Accessible according to Museumsufer; the elevator is operated by staff. The cathedral tower (328 steps) has no elevator.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Free family tour "Satourday" on the last Saturday of the month; children's tour with creative workshop "Was ist los auf dem Dach?" (What's Going On on the Roof?) for children's groups (ages 8–12). Children up to age 8 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

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