June 27, 2026 – May 30, 2027
Vergessene Kinder. Die sozialkritische Kunst von Tina Bauer-Pezellen
Works by the graphic artist Tina Bauer-Pezellen, who depicted the lives of disadvantaged children with a socially critical eye.
Friedrich-Fröbel-Museum
Museum in the "Haus über dem Keller" in Bad Blankenburg, where Friedrich Fröbel founded the first kindergarten in 1839 – with his play gifts and living quarters.
Opening hoursAdmission from €4 Partially accessible
Current exhibitions
About the museum
In 1839 Friedrich Fröbel set up an institution for play and activity for young children in the so-called "Haus über dem Keller" (house above the cellar) in Bad Blankenburg; in 1840 he coined the term "Kindergarten" for it. From here his idea of early childhood education through play spread around the world.
The commemoration of Fröbel as a museum began in the early 20th century: in 1908 a Fröbelhaus was inaugurated in Blankenburg as a kindergarten and convalescent home for kindergarten teachers, created on the initiative of the educator Eleonore Heerwart. In 1910 it received a memorial room. After Heerwart's death in 1911, her collection items passed to the Fröbelhaus-Stiftung, joined by furniture, writings and books from the estate of Fröbel's widow Luise.
In 1949 the Fröbel-Museum reopened in three rooms on Goetheweg. Since 1982 it has been located at the authentic site in the "Haus über dem Keller". Today it belongs to the Thüringer Landesmuseum Heidecksburg in Rudolstadt and is run by the district of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.
The permanent exhibition traces Fröbel's life and the development of his play-based pedagogy, shows the impact of the kindergarten idea up to the present day and reconstructs his living room and study with original furniture. Among the most valuable pieces are early versions of his play gifts. In addition, there is a playroom, seminars, an archive with a specialist library and changing special exhibitions.
Highlights
- Authentic site: the house where the first kindergarten was founded (1839/40)
- Fröbel's play gifts and occupation materials, some of them originals unique in the world
- Reconstructed living room and study with furniture owned by Fröbel
- Playroom for children and adults to try things out
- Fröbel seminars and museum education programs
Permanent exhibitions
- Die Erfindung des Kindergartens – Fröbel's life and pedagogy, his play gifts and their influence over time, and his reconstructed living room and study at the place where the kindergarten was founded.
- Operated by
- Landkreis Saalfeld-Rudolstadt (Einrichtung des Thüringer Landesmuseums Heidecksburg)
- Director
- Isabel Schamberger (Leiterin)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Apprentices, university students, social pass holders, people with severe disabilities |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 14 · Children up to 14 free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3Reduced with a severe disability ID (Schwerbehindertenausweis). |
| Students & apprentices | €3Reduced. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Group tours for 10 people or more by registration; museum education programs and seminars by arrangement. |
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- 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
According to the museum, it is not accessible; however, the exhibition area on Fröbel's biography and the first kindergarten can be reached step-free via the Esplanade. Individual solutions by telephone arrangement.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 14 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
Play room with toys based on Fröbel in the exhibition. Programs for kindergartens, schools, and after-school care centers as well as a holiday program in which children prick, weave, and fold under guidance; registration via the museum education department.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Regional train to Bad Blankenburg (from Erfurt approx. 1 hour, from Jena approx. 90 minutes).
By car
Parking available · 2-min walk to the entrance
Parking at the Marktplatz (approx. 2-minute walk) or in the Griesbachstraße parking lot (approx. 5-minute walk). Bus parking on Wirbacherstraße directly behind the railroad crossing toward the Landessportschule.
By car via the B281, B85, and B88 (from the direction of Saalfeld/Rudolstadt) or the B88 from the direction of Ilmenau.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with Fröbel's Gifts (educational play materials), toys, and publications.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours of the permanent exhibition for groups of 10 or more by prior registration (approx. 45 min., with a talk and a demonstration of the play gifts). Fröbel seminars and educational programs by arrangement. |
