Kreismuseum Herzogtum Lauenburg
The district's cultural history museum in the manor house on Ratzeburg's Dominsel (Cathedral Island); exhibitions in the adjacent building during the renovation.
About the museum
On the Palmberg next to Ratzeburg Cathedral, Duke Christian Ludwig of Mecklenburg had a pleasure pavilion built around 1660. Because of inadequate foundations, it was demolished about a hundred years later; in 1764 the present building was erected for Duke Adolf Friedrich IV of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who never lived in it himself. Notable is the banquet hall on the upper floor with Rococo stucco.
From 1840 the house served as the residence of the cathedral provosts. In the early 1970s, the state of Schleswig-Holstein transferred its use to the district of Herzogtum Lauenburg, which had the building restored and opened its Kreismuseum (district museum) in it in 1973.
The broad collection ranges from Slavic archaeological finds through church art of the Middle Ages, Biedermeier furniture and military items of the garrison town to everyday objects of the recent past. Focuses of national interest are the 1950s and historic Christmas decorations.
The manor house is currently being renovated. The former carriage house in the northern adjacent building remains open, with a 19th-century pharmacy, the reconstructed studio of the Ratzeburg photographer Albert Hannig and the exhibition on the spirit of the 1950s.
Highlights
- Around 1,500 objects on everyday life in the 1950s
- Reconstructed shop and studio of the photographer Albert Hannig
- 19th-century pharmacy from Schleswig-Holstein
- Rococo hall in the Baroque manor house (currently closed for renovation)
- Location on the Dominsel with a view over the Domsee
Permanent exhibitions
- Das Lebensgefühl der 1950er Jahre – Living room, cinema seats, fashion, advertising and toys: around 1,500 objects bring everyday life in the years of the economic miracle to life.
- Die Entwicklung der Fotografie und das Fotoatelier Albert Hannig – The reconstructed shop and studio of the Ratzeburg photographer Albert Hannig tells the regional history of the 20th century in pictures.
- Operated by
- Kreis Herzogtum Lauenburg
- Director
- Dr. Anke Mührenberg
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: not available
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The exhibition in the northern adjacent building is not accessible because of stairs. There is no tactile guidance system and no texts in Braille.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Tours for families can be booked individually. For school classes there is the workshop "Wirtschaftswunder!" on the 1950s (ages 9–14, 90 minutes).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Markt · 350 m
From Hamburg (U Wandsbek Markt) by bus line 8700 in about 60 minutes to the center of Ratzeburg; from Lübeck by train to Ratzeburg (approx. 20 minutes), then by bus lines 8501, 8502 or 131 to "Markt".
By car
Free parking
Free visitor parking lot at the A. Paul Weber-Museum, Domhof 5, for both district museums.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with publications of the museum.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
Civil weddings in the Rococo hall (May to September on the third Saturday of each month, room rental €50). Because of the renovation, no weddings are possible in 2026 and 2027.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public tours free of charge; group and family tours after registration for €50. Dogs and other pets are not allowed. |
