Maarmuseum

About the museum

The Maarmuseum is devoted to the maars of the Vulkaneifel – funnel-shaped volcanoes formed by steam explosions, only a few of which are still filled with water today. The museum aims to make their formation, development and significance for science and the region understandable, while also drawing international connections.

The museum is housed in a listed building from around 1927, built in the style of the Neues Bauen (New Building) movement and originally used as a festival hall and gymnasium. Between 1996 and 1999 it was converted and extended with a three-story annex housing a seminar room, library, laboratory, storage and workspaces for visiting researchers. The state of Rhineland-Palatinate provided major funding for the conversion and fit-out.

The exhibition was created with input from experts in Germany and abroad and combines the geology, volcanism and ecology of the maars with models, media stations and small experiments. The museum is run by the Verein Maarmuseum Manderscheid association; it also maintains the Geo-Route around Manderscheid and offers excursions for families.

Highlights

• Clear explanation of how the Eifel maars formed
• Models, touchscreens and small experiments
• Listed Neues Bauen building (around 1927)
• Museum quiz for children in five languages

Permanent exhibitions

• Die Eifel-Maare – The formation, history and ecology of the Eifel's maar volcanoes, with rocks, models, and media and listening stations.

Operated by

Maarmuseum Manderscheid e.V.

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

According to the website, the museum and one restroom are accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Museum quiz for children and teens at two difficulty levels (German, English, French, Dutch, Luxembourgish); interactive stations and maar models. During the holidays, nature excursions for families, e.g., to a lava pit or a stream.

Getting there & parking

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