Glasmuseum Frauenau

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The idea for a glass museum in Frauenau arose in the 1970s: Mayor Alfons Hannes, the glass artist Erwin Eisch, and glassworks master Helmut Schneck wanted to give this centuries-old glassmaking village a museum center. The museum opened in 1975 in a converted, dilapidated sawmill, supplemented by an extension. Through special exhibitions, the awarding of Bayerwald glass prizes, and the International Frauenau Glass Symposia, it developed into a meeting place for the glass art scene.

After about three decades, the building no longer met requirements. In 2005, a new building opened, with an exhibition concept developed by Katharina Eisch-Angus and Jörg Haller; the rooms were designed together with artists, so that the museum itself is seen as a total work of art. Since 2014, the Free State of Bavaria has run the museum as the “Staatliches Museum zur Geschichte der Glaskultur” (State Museum of the History of Glass Culture).

The tour leads through four sections: a journey through the history of glass, from core-formed glass of early civilizations and medieval prunted glasses to Art Nouveau and industrial glass; work in the glassworks, centered on a symbolic melting furnace; modern studio glass of the 20th and 21st centuries, based on the Wolfgang Kermer Collection; and a study collection with snuff bottles, glass jewelry, French Art Nouveau glass, Bohemian paperweights, and reverse glass paintings. Outdoors, the Gläserne Gärten (Glass Gardens), with more than 30 large glass sculptures, continue the exhibition through the village.

Highlights

• Glass history from ancient core-formed glass to industrial glass
• Symbolic glass melting furnace in the “Arbeit in der Glashütte” (Work in the Glassworks) section
• Wolfgang Kermer studio glass collection
• French Art Nouveau glass by Daum and Gallé
• Gläserne Gärten with more than 30 glass sculptures and the “Glasarche” (Glass Ark)

Permanent exhibitions

• Reise durch die Glasgeschichte – A tour through the history of glass from antiquity onward, from core-formed glass of early civilizations through medieval glass and Art Nouveau to machine-made glass.
• Modernes Glas – International glass art of the 20th and 21st centuries based on the Wolfgang Kermer studio glass collection.

Founded

1975

Operated by

Freistaat Bayern

Director

Karin Rühl

Admission & discounts

Guest cards are not accepted. The ticket is valid all day, and you may interrupt your visit.

Accessibility

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

Certified under “Reisen für Alle.” All exhibition areas can be reached by wheelchair via elevator and platform lift; the tourist information office, cafeteria, and national park information point are accessible. Website with information in Easy German (Leichte Sprache).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Discovery tour with the character Durandl: activity booklet and five interactive stations. Museum workshop for children ages 6 and up (glass design, about 1.5 hours, registration required). Adventure playground in the Gläserne Gärten (Glass Gardens), coloring corner in the national park information center.

Getting there & parking

From the B11 (exit Zwiesel Ost) via state road 2132; the museum is in the town center after the railroad crossing.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

"Café an den Gläsernen Gärten" in the foyer with a terrace (Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00). Small museum shop with glass replicas, regional crafts, and books. The building also houses a tourist information office and a national park information center. Dogs are not allowed in the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Multipurpose room for rent with microphone, speakers, and projector.

Plan your visit