Kulturzentrum Franck-Haus

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The wine merchant and trader Franz Valentin Franck (1702–1777) had the house built in 1745 by widening two existing half-timbered houses and joining them into one building above the courtyard driveway. The smalt-blue street façade with its arched gateway, lions and a Madonna figure still shapes it today. The wine cellar bearing the date 1620 is the oldest visible part. After several changes of ownership, the house is said by tradition to have been the site of the first German sparkling wine production.

In 1987 the building came into the possession of the town of Marktheidenfeld. After careful investigation and renovation from 1994 to 1998, it was handed over on March 7, 1998. The red salon with fine stucco and the original blue façade color were recovered.

Today the Franck-Haus is the town's cultural center. In the gallery and rear rooms across three levels, it shows changing art and theme exhibitions, along with concerts and readings. The festival hall on the first floor has a ceiling painting with scenes from the story of Joseph and wall paintings in the style of the Commedia dell'arte, based on designs by Jean Antoine Watteau; it is used mainly for weddings.

Two permanent exhibitions complement the offering: a selection from the estate of the miniature writer Valentin Kaufmann, including eleven miniature books of the "smallest library in the world" (since 2005), and a historic demonstration forge of the Historical Association in a former barn behind the house.

Highlights

• Smalt-blue Baroque façade from 1745
• Festival hall with ceiling painting of the Joseph story and wall paintings after Watteau
• Smallest library in the world, with eleven miniature books by Valentin Kaufmann
• Demonstration forge, visible at any time through a glass wall
• Historic vaulted cellar "Sektwiege" (sparkling wine cradle)

Permanent exhibitions

• Kleinste Bibliothek der Welt – Selection from the estate of Valentin Kaufmann with eleven miniature books, inscribed matches, buttons and postcards; on display in a showcase since April 2005.
• Schauschmiede – Historic smithy workshop in a former barn behind the house, set up by the Historical Association of Marktheidenfeld and surroundings.

Operated by

Stadt Marktheidenfeld

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

The gallery area and the festival hall on the upper floor of the front building are barrier-free via an elevator.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children's tour with the doll Franz-Valentin (60 minutes, up to 15 children plus one accompanying adult).

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The house has a wine bar; seating in the inner courtyard and in the Westentaschenpark (pocket park).

Events & venue rental

• Weddings / ceremonies

The festival hall is used mainly for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions held by the town; date requests go through the registry office (Standesamt).

Plan your visit