Klostermuseum Ochsenhausen

About the museum

The monastery museum opened in the summer of 1999 and tells the history of the Benedictine abbey of Ochsenhausen. It originated at the end of the 11th century as a priory of St. Blasien, became independent in the 14th century and rose in 1495 to an imperial abbey, counting among the important abbeys of Upper Swabia.

The exhibition is housed in the Fürstenbau (Prince's Wing), the south wing of the monastery complex. The building once served as the abbey's guesthouse; it received its name because Prince Metternich lived there after the monastery was dissolved in 1803, before the complex passed to the Kingdom of Württemberg in 1825. After comprehensive restoration by the state in the 1970s and 1980s, the monastery is now home to the Landesakademie für die musizierende Jugend (state academy for young musicians).

On two floors and around 500 square meters, the museum combines easy-to-understand texts with originals: the church treasury includes a Gothic silver monstrance, chalices, reliquaries and Baroque vestments. Further areas are devoted to popular piety with swaddled Christ-child figures and processional poles as well as the monks' scholarly life, for example with an astronomical measuring instrument from the late 18th century and a model of the monastery observatory. The house is managed by the Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg (State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg).

Highlights

• Gothic silver monstrance from the church treasury
• Baroque vestments of brocade and silk
• Swaddled Christ-child figures and evidence of popular piety
• Model of the historic monastery observatory
• Exhibition in the Fürstenbau of the monastery complex

Permanent exhibitions

• Geschichte des Klosters Ochsenhausen – The permanent exhibition leads across two floors through the abbey's history from its beginnings to its transfer to Württemberg. The church treasury, vestments and evidence of popular piety are at its center.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg

Visitors per year

approx. 7,500 (2009)

Admission & discounts

School classes visiting the museum independently have free admission in 2026 (registration required). From October 5, 2026 cash only.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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
• Audio description: no information

Due to the building structure, the monastery buildings are not accessible; the Konventgarten and Michelsgarten gardens are accessible. Visitor information is also available in Easy Language and sign language on the website.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The program occasionally includes special tours for children and families; children under 6 years have free admission.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Schlossbezirk 6, 88416 Ochsenhausen.

Amenities & dining

Dining options in the immediate vicinity: Schäfers Café- und Wirtshaus (Schlossbezirk 1/1) and Klostercafé Ochsenhausen (Schlossbezirk 19/1).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit