Festungs- und Waffengeschichtliches Museum

About the museum

Philippsburg was an imperial fortress from 1615 to 1801 and played a significant role in European politics during this period. In 1801 Napoleon had the fortifications razed: ramparts and walls were leveled, and the castle, town gates and barracks were demolished. The museum aims to bring this eventful history to life.

The museum is housed in the Senator-Dr.-Burda-Haus, the former prison built in 1884. It served that purpose only until 1920, was used in various ways afterward and increasingly fell into disrepair after World War II. Demolition was prevented through the commitment of the town and local clubs. On the initiative of honorary citizen Senator Dr. Franz Burda, the building was renovated from 1975 onward. The museum opened on September 27, 1980.

The exhibition is run by volunteers from the Club Rheingraf von Salm e.V. It covers town and fortress archaeology from the Stone Age to the 18th century, the history of the town of Udenheim up to 1623, and the history of Philippsburg as a town and fortress up to 1800. There is also a display of weapons and dioramas from antiquity to the fortress period, based partly on a donated weapons collection and supplemented by loans from the ethnological collections of the city of Mannheim.

Highlights

• Archaeological finds from the Stone Age to the 18th century
• History of the Imperial Fortress of Philippsburg up to 1800
• Town history of Udenheim up to 1623
• Weapons and diorama display from antiquity to the fortress period
• Former prison from 1884 as the museum building
• Free admission; virtual tour online

Permanent exhibition

• Festungs- und Waffengeschichte – Archaeology, the town history of Udenheim and Philippsburg, and a display of weapons and dioramas trace the development of the fortress town.

Founded

1980

Operated by

Club Rheingraf von Salm e. V. Philippsburg (ehrenamtlich)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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

The exhibition rooms in the historic building can only be reached by a spiral staircase.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is at Marktplatz 8 (building at Schlachthausstraße 2). By car via the A 5, exit Kronau/Philippsburg, then the L 555 to the Marktplatz.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit