Municipal museum of Bamberg's art and cultural history in the Alte Hofhaltung on Domplatz, the former imperial and episcopal palace.
March 27, 2026 – November 1, 2026
The exhibition tells the story of the construction and use of the former imperial and episcopal palace with artworks, archaeological finds, 3D models and hands-on stations.
April 29, 2026 – November 1, 2026
For E. T. A. Hoffmann's 250th birthday, the Apfelweibla, Pop Art and works by winners of the art association's Berganza Prize come together.
July 10, 2026 – November 1, 2026
As an intervention in the painting gallery, the Bamberg cultural fellow presents enameled objects, jewelry and watercolors depicting a fantastical magic garden.
The museum's foundation was laid in 1838 by the Bamberg cathedral vicar Joseph Hemmerlein, who bequeathed his art collection to the town. The municipal collections were initially housed in the former Benedictine monastery on the Michaelsberg before moving in 1938 to the Renaissance buildings of the Alte Hofhaltung on Domplatz.
The Alte Hofhaltung is one of the most historic places in the town: the Domberg (Cathedral Hill) was the site of the palace where emperors and kings held court, and later the prince-bishops of Bamberg resided and governed here. Parts of the complex later also served as quarters for Bavarian regiments. The ensemble with its inner courtyard stands right next to the cathedral at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today the museum is one of the Museen der Stadt Bamberg (Bamberg municipal museums). The collections range from prehistoric finds such as the so-called Bamberger Götzen (Bamberg Idols) and around 3,000 paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century to scientific instruments, decorative arts and nativity scenes. The holdings also include the "Apfelweibla," the door knocker made famous by E. T. A. Hoffmann's tale.
The museum opens in alternating exhibition seasons: from spring to early November several thematic presentations and special exhibitions are on view, while shorter opening hours apply in winter.
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Groups of 10 or more and seniors age 65 and over (€7); university students/trainees age 19 and over, people with severe disabilities, and holders of the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card) (€4) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Children and young people up to and including age 18 free. |
| Seniors | €7Age 65 and over. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4companion free · Registered companion (“B” marker) free. |
| Students & apprentices | €4University students and trainees age 19 and over; students of art history, heritage conservation, archaeology and European ethnology free. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €7 per person10 or more people; groups should register at least one week in advance (info.museen@stadt.bamberg.de, 0951 87-1147). |
| Families | –No family ticket; children and young people up to 18 free. |
| Last-minute ticket (from 16:00) | €4Half price. |
| Domberg ticket | €12Combined ticket for the Historisches Museum, the Diözesanmuseum and the Staatsgalerie/Neue Residenz; valid for one year from first use. |
Free admission with the BambergCard, for members of ICOM and the Museumsbund, members of the Historischer Verein Bamberg and the BBK, and press. Online tickets via GetYourGuide.
Accessible according to the museum: two passenger elevators to all exhibition levels, loaner wheelchairs at the information desk in the foyer, accessible restroom. Inclusion information in Easy Language; free museum app.
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
Public children's tours (approx. 60 min., for ages 5 to 10, no registration required) and children's workshops as listed in the events calendar; educational programs for daycare centers and schools.
Domplatz
Bus 910 to the "Domplatz" stop directly in front of the museum.
Parking available
No museum parking lot; the nearest option is the Geyerswörth underground parking garage, from there on foot via Karolinenstraße.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public guided tours, "Kunst-Snacks" (short art talks) and lectures as listed in the events calendar; group tours and school programs can be booked at info.museen@stadt.bamberg.de or 0951 87-1147. Free museum app of the Museen der Stadt Bamberg (Android/iOS) as a digital companion. |
Cookies help you use this website. We only load the map and statistics with your consent.
