Martin von Wagner Museum

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The University of Würzburg's museum grew out of a picture collection established in 1832 as teaching material for art history classes. The decisive addition came from Martin von Wagner, a Würzburg-born painter and sculptor who lived in Rome as art agent for King Ludwig I: in 1857 he bequeathed to the university his extensive collection of ancient and later art, including thousands of drawings and prints.

For a long time the collection was housed on the upper floor of the Old University. Since 1963 it has been located in the south wing of the Würzburg Residenz, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is divided into a classical antiquities collection and a Modern Department with a painting gallery and a collection of prints and drawings, each with its own director.

The antiquities collection spans early civilizations to late antiquity and has one of the largest collections of Greek vases in Germany; it is known for the head of a centaur from a Parthenon metope. The painting gallery shows painting and sculpture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, focusing on Italy and the Netherlands, along with works by Riemenschneider and Tiepolo. The collection of prints and drawings is accessible only by appointment in the study room.

Highlights

• Head of a centaur from a metope of the Parthenon
• One of the largest collections of Greek vases in Germany
• Italian and Dutch paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century
• Collection of prints and drawings with works from Martin von Wagner's estate
• Located in the south wing of the Würzburg Residenz (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Permanent exhibitions

• Antikensammlung – Art and everyday culture of antiquity with a focus on Greece, including an important collection of painted vases and sculptures.
• Gemäldegalerie – European painting and sculpture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, focusing on Italian and Dutch masters.

Founded

1832

Operated by

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

Director

Jochen Griesbach (Antikensammlung), Damian Dombrowski (Neuere Abteilung)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission to the permanent exhibitions; special exhibitions may charge admission (prices set for each exhibition). Family ticket for special exhibitions: 2 adults at full price, their own children aged 6 to 14 €1 each. Free admission for teachers preparing a class visit.

Accessibility

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

Entrance in the second courtyard of the south wing with ramp; elevator to the exhibition rooms on the third and fourth floors. Two accessible parking spaces directly in front of the entrance. Folding stools as seating and walking aids and step stools for children; wheelchairs and strollers allowed in the exhibition rooms.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

Occasional children's programs, e.g., for International Museum Day (dress-up, treasure hunt, crafts). Folding stools as a step aid for children; children under 14 only when accompanied by adults.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Coat check
• Lockers

Bags and backpacks must be left at the coat check or in lockers.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit