Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte Halle

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum's roots go back to 1819, when an association for the study of patriotic antiquities was founded in Halle; its collection formed the museum's core. In 1884 this became the Provinzialmuseum of the Prussian Province of Saxony. For the rapidly growing holdings, Wilhelm Kreis planned a striking new building on the edge of the Giebichenstein district from 1911, its shape reminiscent of the Porta Nigra in Trier. Opened in 1918, it is considered the first museum in Germany built specifically for prehistory.

The institution changed its name several times in the 20th century; the collection survived World War II largely without losses, and the museum reopened in March 1946. Today it belongs to the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt (State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology), which continually expands the collection with finds from excavations across the state.

Under Harald Meller, director since 2001, the permanent exhibition was completely redesigned. Since 2008 the Nebra Sky Disc, the oldest known concrete depiction of the sky, has been on permanent display here. Eleven thematic sections lead through around 450,000 years of human history from the Paleolithic to the early modern period, complemented by major special exhibitions with international loans.

Highlights

• Nebra Sky Disc (UNESCO Memory of the World)
• Grave of the Mesolithic shaman of Bad Dürrenberg
• Family graves of Eulau
• Hornhausen Rider Stone
• Museum building by Wilhelm Kreis (1918)

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung – 450.000 Jahre Menschheitsgeschichte – Eleven staged themed rooms lead from the Paleolithic to the early modern period, combining outstanding finds from Saxony-Anhalt with the latest research findings.
• Himmelsscheibe von Nebra – The roughly 3,600-year-old disc, the oldest known concrete depiction of astronomical phenomena, has been on view in the permanent exhibition since 2008 together with the other finds from the Mittelberg hoard; the presentation explains its discovery, manufacture and interpretation.

Founded

1884

Operated by

Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt

Director

Harald Meller

Admission & discounts

The prices, valid until February 7, 2027, include the permanent and special exhibitions. €1 discount on presentation of a train ticket used to travel here. The Halle Card and the "Schlüsselbund Hallesche Museen" are accepted. Card payment from €5.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

"Reisen für Alle" certification: accessible for people with walking disabilities. All exhibition areas accessible; step-free access via the side entrance at Richard-Wagner-Straße 9. Three accessible parking spaces on Mozartstraße at the rear. Touch tours with replicas and originals for blind and visually impaired visitors by advance booking. Audio guide in Easy Language. The "Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte" tram stop is not accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Strollers are allowed only in the permanent exhibition, not in special exhibitions; two baby carriers can be borrowed free of charge at the ticket desk. Baby changing facilities in the accessible restroom on the first floor. Children's audio guide. Family afternoons usually on the last Sunday of the month, holiday activities during the Easter, summer and fall school holidays, children's birthday parties for ages 5 to 11.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Wi-Fi

Museum cafeteria. Free Wi-Fi.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Rooms for conferences, evening receptions, award ceremonies, concerts and readings; individual offers on request.

Plan your visit