Kriminalpanoptikum Aschersleben
History of crime in the former municipal prison of Aschersleben, renovated in 2003, with crime weapons, restraints, a prison cell and police equipment.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Kriminalpanoptikum is housed in the former municipal prison of Aschersleben, a red-brick building by the old town wall. The first known inmate was a farmhand who was locked up for theft more than 100 years ago. Prisoners were still held here until 1982; afterward the building stood empty for almost two decades.
In 2003, the city renovated the building based on a design by the Wittenberg architect Mara Pinardi, combining old plans with modern elements. Besides the exhibition, the city archive also moved into the rooms.
On display are crime tools, truncheons, handcuffs and leg irons, medieval torture instruments, as well as uniforms and equipment of national and international police. There is also a furnished cell, a rogues' gallery, and examples of crime photography and fingerprinting (dactyloscopy). The exhibits come, among others, from the Fachhochschule der Polizei Sachsen-Anhalt (police college), the Association International Police and the collector Steffen Claus.
Highlights
- Authentic criminal cases and tools of crime
- Furnished historical prison cell
- Collection of restraints and torture instruments
- Crime photography and fingerprinting
- Collection of historical cops-and-robbers hand puppets
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €1 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €0.50Holders of the Aschersleben social pass |
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 and up |
Admission for adults and children aged 5 and up is €1.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Guided tours with a Sherlock Holmes performance are aimed at all age groups; children from age 5 pay admission.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available · 5-min walk to the entrance
City-center parking at Vorderbreite/Hinterbreite.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | On Wednesdays and Sundays, the visit can be combined with a guided tour by Steffen Claus at no extra charge; advance registration requested. Sherlock Holmes guided tours for all age groups. |
