Kulturhistorisches Museum (Mühlhausen/Thüringen)

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The building on Lindenbühl was constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style between 1868 and 1870 as a Gymnasium (secondary school); a gap was specially broken into the medieval town wall for the new building. Since 1928 it has served mainly as a museum: at that time a local history museum moved in, bringing together collections on the history of the town and its surroundings.

In GDR times the building belonged to the network of the Gedenkstätten Deutscher Bauernkrieg (German Peasants' War memorials). After reunification, the district and the town founded the Zweckverband Mühlhäuser Museen in 1993, which has since operated the Kulturhistorisches Museum as its main building along with several other sites in the old town, including the Marienkirche with the Müntzer memorial, the Kornmarktkirche, and the Historische Wehranlage (historic fortifications).

After extensive modernization, the building reopened in 2013 as the Kulturhistorisches Museum. The permanent exhibitions divide the town's history into the sections Imperial City, Church City, Burghers' City, and Industrial City, and present archaeological finds from the Unstrut-Hainich district from the Neolithic to the early Middle Ages. In addition, there are works of 20th-century Thuringian art and changing special exhibitions.

Highlights

• Mühlhausen pyx from the 12th century
• Reliquary cross from the 14th century
• Roman coin hoard from Altengottern
• Roman head of Jupiter Ammon
• Last Möve bicycle produced in Mühlhausen (1961)
• Listening stations, dioramas, and dress-up stations for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Mühlhäuser STADTgeschichten – The history of the former Free Imperial City in four chapters – Imperial City, Church City, Burghers' City, and Industrial City – with dioramas, listening stations, and hands-on activities.
• UNSTRUT-HAINICH tiefgründig – Archaeological finds from the district from the Neolithic to the early Middle Ages, told from the perspective of migration and mobility.

Founded

1928

Operated by

Zweckverband Mühlhäuser Museen

Director

Dr. Susanne Kimmig-Völkner

Admission & discounts

Prices valid from September 1, 2026. Children under 6 free. Annual tickets for schools (€50) and kindergartens (€30) in the Unstrut-Hainich district; for neighboring districts €70 and €50, respectively.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: not available
• Audio description: no information

“Reisen für Alle” certification (accessibility verified, partially accessible for people with walking impairments, 2025–2028). Step-free access, elevator; only the mezzanine level of the archaeology exhibition cannot be reached (it can be viewed from the floors). No dedicated accessible parking space; public parking at Lindenbühl (approx. 100 m) and Untermarkt (approx. 200 m). No induction loop, no Braille information; listening stations in the exhibition. Guided tours for people with walking impairments by advance registration.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's stations throughout the building with the mascot Adalbert, listening, hands-on, and dress-up stations. Free archaeology quiz for ages 6 to 12 with an explorer diploma (at the ticket desk). Children's tours, holiday program, and children's birthday parties by registration.

Getting there & parking

By car via the B 247 or B 249.

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit