Friedhofsmuseum Hannover
Exhibition on Hanover’s cemetery and burial culture in the former crematorium of the Seelhorst city cemetery, open only on a few days.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The cemetery museum was set up in 2006 by employees of the Städtische Friedhöfe Hannover. It is located in the former crematorium at the Seelhorst city cemetery, built in 1923; one of the former cremation furnaces can be seen in the exhibition.
On more than 300 square metres, the exhibition “Hannoversche Friedhofs- und Bestattungskultur” shows objects from the daily work of the cemetery administration and cemetery services of past centuries. The tour leads from cemetery planning and grave design through the maintenance of the grounds and cremations to funeral services, coffin burials and administration. Exhibits include grave crosses from the Gartenfriedhof from the mid-19th century, urn finds about 1,700 years old from the Ricklingen city cemetery, a collection of various coffins, chapel furniture and musical instruments for funeral services.
A separate area is dedicated to war victims. Alongside serious topics there is also a “Schmunzelecke” (smile corner) with curiosities, such as a replica of a plague coffin. In the outdoor area stand vehicles of the Städtische Friedhöfe, including a reference to the world’s first cemetery excavator, in whose development Hanover was involved. Films, videos and audio stations complement the exhibition.
Highlights
- Former crematorium of 1923 with original cremation furnace
- Urn finds about 1,700 years old from the Ricklingen city cemetery
- Grave crosses from the Gartenfriedhof (1832–1864)
- Collection of different coffins and replica of a plague coffin
- Cemetery vehicles in the outdoor area
Permanent exhibition
- Hannoversche Friedhofs- und Bestattungskultur – A tour through the work of the Städtische Friedhöfe – from planning and grave design through cremation and burial to funeral services – with objects from several centuries, films and audio stations.
- Founded
- 2006
- Operated by
- Landeshauptstadt Hannover – Städtische Friedhöfe
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|
The exhibition is expressly aimed at children and young people as well.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Stadtfriedhof Seelhorst
Light rail lines 8 and 18 to Stadtfriedhof Seelhorst; bus line 123 to Stadtfriedhof Seelhorst or bus lines 123, 128 and 134 to Hoher Weg.
By car
Parking available
Cemetery car park at the Seelhorst city cemetery.
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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Staff of the Städtische Friedhöfe answer questions during opening hours. Films are shown on request. The Städtische Friedhöfe also offer cemetery tours. |
