Fichtelgebirgsmuseum

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1908 at the suggestion of pharmacist Dr. Albert Schmidt under the umbrella of the Fichtelgebirgsverein (Fichtelgebirge Association) and initially displayed around 600 objects in a school building, the former Lyzeum (girls' secondary school). The collection grew quickly, and by the 1930s it already comprised several thousand items.

In 1962 a public-purpose association took over its management, and two years later the museum moved into the building complex of the medieval Sigmund-Wann-Spital (hospital) in the old town. Further buildings around the hospital courtyard were added in several construction phases, mainly in the 1980s and up to 2004; their fabric ranges from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the Baroque. Between 2010 and 2016 the exhibition was thoroughly modernized; today it covers around 3,000 square meters in nine buildings.

Since 2010 the museum and the Volkskundliches Gerätemuseum (folk tools museum) in Arzberg-Bergnersreuth have together formed the Fichtelgebirgsmuseen, run by the district of Wunsiedel and the towns of Wunsiedel and Arzberg. The permanent exhibition spans hospital, regional and cultural history, industry, porcelain and crafts, as well as a large mineralogical and geological collection; there is also the historic Drogerie Sack (drugstore), a dyer's house and a VR area offering a virtual journey through time in the region.

Highlights

• Museum spread across nine historic buildings around the hospital courtyard
• Mineralogical and geological collection on the "stone-rich" Fichtelgebirge
• Historic Drogerie Sack drugstore and dyer's house
• VR time travel "Timetravel Fichtelgebirge"
• Children's and play areas

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung Fichtelgebirgsmuseum – A tour through the hospital, regional, cultural and industrial history of the Fichtelgebirge with the mineral collection, Drogerie Sack, the dyer's house and a children's area.
• Timetravel Fichtelgebirge – VR-Erlebnisbereich – Wearing VR headsets, visitors travel virtually through stages of regional history.

Founded

1908

Operated by

Zweckverband Fichtelgebirgsmuseen (Landkreis Wunsiedel, Städte Wunsiedel und Arzberg)

Director

Dr. Sabine Zehentmeier-Lang

Admission & discounts

According to the price page, guided tours cost €20 for 10 or more people plus €2 for each additional person; the guided tours page states €2 per person plus admission.

Accessibility

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

According to the museum, only partially accessible (historic buildings). Accessible restroom, seating and assistance dogs allowed, according to the Museumsportal Bayern. Information in Easy Language and sign language videos on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

Museum scavenger hunt with age-appropriate question sheets for independent exploring; the "Kinder- und Spielwelten" (Children's and Play Worlds) section with historic toys and an old school desk. Children's birthday parties with treasure hunt or pottery (at least one adult accompanies), programs for children's groups, and holiday programs. Free admission for children up to 6.

Getting there & parking

Via the A93 (exit Wunsiedel) or the B 303.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

Museum café currently closed indefinitely. Museum shop during opening hours, plus the online shop "Heimatstore Fichtelgebirge".

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 100 guests.

Several historic rooms for 20 to 100 people, including the Spitalstube and Brüderstube, the furniture hall and the courtyard, e.g. for celebrations and anniversaries; prices on request.

Plan your visit