Europäischer Kulturpark Bliesbruck-Reinheim

Current exhibitions

About the museum

On the Blies, which here forms the border between Saarland and Lorraine, excavations were already carried out in the 19th century in the remains of a Roman villa near Reinheim. In 1954, gravel quarrying uncovered a large burial mound containing the richly furnished grave of a Celtic “princess” from the Early La Tène period; a Late Bronze Age hoard was added in 1964. On the French side, Jean Schaub discovered the small Roman town (vicus) of Bliesbruck in 1971, where systematic excavations began in 1977; in Reinheim they began in 1987.

The European Cultural Park was founded in 1989 as a joint German-French project; the German part is run by the Stiftung Europäischer Kulturpark. In 1993 the protective building over the Bliesbruck baths was built, and in 1999 the walk-in reconstruction of the princess’s grave about 100 meters from the find site. These were followed by the villa’s gatehouse (2006), the exhibition center in Bliesbruck (2007), the tavern in a reconstructed outbuilding (2013), and, in 2023, the expansion of the courtyard area with further reconstructions and a protective building.

Covering about seven hectares, the Reinheim villa is one of the largest Gallo-Roman country estates in the region; it flourished in the 2nd century. The main building stands at the head of a long, walled farmyard with numerous outbuildings – a typical villa layout in the Gallic and Germanic provinces. The original finds from the princess’s grave are on display at the Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte (Museum of Prehistory and Early History) in Saarbrücken, while the park shows faithful replicas. Excavations are still ongoing today.

Highlights

• Walk-in reconstructed burial mound of the Celtic princess’s grave with replicas of the grave goods
• Roman palatial villa with a reconstructed gatehouse and outbuildings
• Museum “Maison Jean Schaub” on the settlement history of the Bliesgau
• Small Roman town with baths and a craftsmen’s quarter on the French side
• Free Lauschtour audio app, including sign language videos

Permanent exhibitions

• Keltisches Fürstinnengrab – Inside the full-scale reconstructed burial mound, an accessible passage leads to the burial chamber with a life-size figure and replicas of the gold jewelry and grave goods.
• Museum „Maison Jean Schaub“ – Overview of the settlement of the Bliesgau from the Stone Age to Roman times in the visitor center at the entrance.
• Funde aus der römischen Villa – Exhibition on the upper floor of the tavern with finds from the Reinheim palatial villa.

Founded

1989

Operated by

Stiftung Europäischer Kulturpark

Director

Stefan Munz (Geschäftsführer)

Admission & discounts

Admission applies only to the museum areas; the outdoor grounds are free. The ticket is valid on both the German and the French side of the park. Also free with the SaarlandCard and the Saar Pass; free admission to the Museum Maison Jean Schaub with the Lauschtour app.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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: no information

Certified under “Reisen für Alle” (Travel for All). Maison Jean Schaub and the princess’s grave are fully wheelchair-accessible; the Roman villa only partially, due to wall thresholds and steps (outdoor wheelchair attachments available at the ticket desk). Accessible “Spazierweg Kulturpark” walking route; accessible restrooms in the Maison Jean Schaub (by elevator), in the tavern, and in the exhibition center. Lauschtour also available in sign language; information in Easy Read German on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's birthday parties (usually from age 5, approx. 3 hours, €90 with two activities such as mosaic making, pottery, excavation, or scavenger hunt). Hands-on stations in the museums; large meadows for playing and picnicking, bringing your own food is allowed. The paved main paths are easily navigable with a stroller.

Getting there & parking

GPS: Robert-Schuman-Straße 2, 66453 Gersheim.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant "Taverne" in the reconstructed outbuilding of the villa (also accessible without admission, with its own microbrewery); museum shops in the Maison Jean Schaub and at the Fürstinnengrab (Princess's Tomb); tourist information in the visitor center.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The tavern is available for parties and festive occasions (inquire with the leaseholder).

Plan your visit