Kulturhistorisches Museum Franziskanerkloster
City museum of Zittau in the medieval Franciscan monastery, with the Small Fasting Cloth, the Zittau epitaph treasure, an armory and the "Zittauer Lebensräume" (Zittau living spaces).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Städtische Museen Zittau (Zittau municipal museums) are considered the oldest city museum in the Euroregion Neisse and in Saxony; for more than 450 years the city has been collecting for the public. The historic council library, whose holdings are now mostly housed in the Christian Weise Library, is considered the mother of the museums.
The Kulturhistorisches Museum is located in the rooms of the former Franciscan monastery, which, according to tourism portals, was founded in the 13th century. Visitors pass through medieval monastery rooms such as the church, cloister, chapter house and dormitory. The large Zittau epitaph treasure hangs in the monastery church, and the Small Zittau Fasting Cloth of 1573 is in the house itself. The Large Fasting Cloth of 1472 can be seen in the Museum Church of the Holy Cross.
The collections range from fine and applied art through archaeology, numismatics and the folk culture of Upper Lusatia, to what is probably the largest militaria collection in the region, which has been on display in the permanent exhibition since May 2018. Thirteen rooms of the "Zittauer Lebensräume" show everyday and cultural history from the cradle to the grave.
Highlights
- Small Zittau Fasting Cloth of 1573
- Zittau epitaph treasure in the monastery church
- Armory with militaria in the chapter house
- Thirteen rooms of the "Zittauer Lebensräume"
- Medieval monastery rooms with cloister
Permanent exhibitions
- Zittauer Lebensräume – Across thirteen rooms, the exhibition shows everyday life and culture, from rural life and schooling to linen weaving, crafts, trade and defense.
- Rüstkammer und Militaria – Hundreds of pole arms, blades and firearms, helmets and armor from the old municipal armory are on display in the chapter house.
- Kleines Zittauer Fastentuch und Epitaphienschatz – The Fasting Cloth of 1573 and the epitaphs of the 16th to 18th centuries in the monastery church form the house's sacred focus.
- Operated by
- Städtische Museen Zittau
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Trainees, students, people with a severe disability ID (Schwerbehindertenausweis), recipients of social benefits, holders of the Ehrenamtskarte (honorary volunteer card) and Federal Voluntary Service participants |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children and young people up to the age of 16 enter free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4 |
| Students & apprentices | €4 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5 per personFrom 10 people, per person; reduced €3. |
| Combination ticket (Kulturhistorisches Museum Franziskanerkloster + Museum Church of the Holy Cross) | €10Reduced €6; groups from 10 people €8, or reduced €5; one visit to each of the two houses. |
| Annual pass | €30Reduced €15; valid for one year from first use. |
Free admission for members of the Zittau history and museum association and for refugees from Ukraine. Lectures €4 (reduced €3).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
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- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
The museum education program is for all age groups: children's birthday parties, workshops, explorer tours and creative programs. Information and bookings at 03583 55479301 or j.mihan@zittau.de.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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 · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (DE, EN, CS, PL) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours of the museum and the epitaph treasure for up to 20 people at a flat €40, each additional person €2; school classes, kindergarten and after-school groups €1 per child. Registration at least 14 days in advance, or 4 weeks in advance outside opening hours. |
