Focke-Museum

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Focke-Museum traces its origins to two older Bremen collections: the Gewerbemuseum (museum of applied arts and trades), opened in 1884, and the Historisches Museum, founded around 1900, whose core had been assembled since the 1880s by senate syndic Johann Focke. It received its name in 1918, and from 1924 director Ernst Grohne merged the two institutions; the joint presentation opened in the old town in 1927.

The museum closed shortly after the outbreak of war in 1939, and the building was later destroyed by bombing. The holdings, which had been moved to safety, largely survived. The grounds of the Riensberg country estate in Schwachhausen were chosen as the new location: in 1964, a light-filled new building by Darmstadt architects Heinrich Bartmann and Reinhold Kargel, opening onto the park, was inaugurated there.

The ensemble in the roughly 4.5-hectare park includes the 18th-century manor house Haus Riensberg, the thatched Eichenhof, the Mittelsbüren farmhouse built in 1586/87 and relocated here, and the Tarmstedt barn. The Schaumagazin (open storage) was added in 2002. Since 1970, the museum has also managed the Oberneuland windmill as a branch site.

The collection ranges from prehistory and early history through city history, decorative arts, interior design, and European glass to Borgward automobiles and the sea rescue cruiser Paul Denker. Anna Greve has headed the museum since 2020. The main building and the Schaumagazin are currently being renovated and the collection exhibition redesigned; until the reopening, announced for 2028, the museum is showing exhibitions in Haus Riensberg and the Eichenhof.

Highlights

• Special exhibition PLAYMOBIL – Stadtgeschichte(n) with dioramas of Bremen’s history
• 18th-century manor house Haus Riensberg
• Children’s museum on the history of play
• Wissenswerkstatt Archäologie (archaeology workshop) in the thatched Eichenhof
• Museum park with garden sculptures, sundials, and old trees
• Oberneuland windmill branch site

Permanent exhibitions

• Kindermuseum: Von Knochen bis Gameboy – The upper floor of Haus Riensberg explores the history of play from the early Middle Ages to the 20th century.
• Wissenswerkstatt Archäologie – In the Eichenhof, visitors can see how archaeologists work and what finds reveal about the region’s early history.

Founded

1924

Director

Prof. Dr. Anna Greve

Admission & discounts

Current prices apply to the exhibition PLAYMOBIL – Stadtgeschichte(n): online via Nordwest-Ticket €10/€8/€15, at the ticket desk €12/€10/€16. Buying online is recommended, as capacity is limited and the ticket area is cramped. Free for members of the friends’ association, unemployed people, welfare recipients, and refugees; the FreiKarte Bremen is accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• 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

The main building (elevator, accessible restroom) is closed until 2028. Haus Riensberg has no elevator to the upper exhibition rooms, and neither Haus Riensberg nor the Eichenhof has accessible restrooms. Some paths are gravel; the farmhouse has one step (ramp on request). Two loaner wheelchairs, two accessible parking spaces in front of the entrance. Information also available in sign language and Easy Read German.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Children's museum with toys from seven centuries in Haus Riensberg, free scavenger hunt and media guide at the ticket desk. Regular activities for children and families, holiday courses, and a holiday scavenger hunt. Playground in the museum park. Children's birthday parties for up to 12 children aged 4 to 13 (90 minutes, tour with a crafts portion).

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Focke's Café (Tue–Sun 11:00–19:00) with terrace at Haus Riensberg. Museum shop of the friends' association in Haus Riensberg during the renovation. Picnic blankets to borrow in the park.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

Limited until 2029 due to the renovation: the lecture hall, seminar room, and park are currently not available for rental. Available are the Mittelsbüren farmhouse (up to approx. 100 people in rows, 60 at banquet tables) and the seminar room in Haus Riensberg (approx. 15 people); guided tours included.

Plan your visit