MONREPOS – Archäologisches Forschungszentrum und Museum für menschliche Verhaltensevolution

About the museum

Monrepos sits on a hilltop above the Neuwied Basin. The 18th-century Baroque palace of the Princes of Wied no longer exists; it was demolished in 1969. What survived is Villa Waldheim, built in 1909 and also known as the Palais der Prinzessinnen (Princesses' Palace), which served as the dower house of the princely family.

In the mid-1980s, the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum Mainz set up its Paleolithic research department here, with support from the Prinz Maximilian zu Wied-Stiftung. After the palais was converted, the Museum for the Archaeology of the Ice Age opened in 1988, showing mainly finds from the Neuwied Basin such as Gönnersdorf and Andernach.

Following an initial modernization in 2005, the building was thoroughly remodeled and given a new focus starting in 2010. Since 2012 it has been called "Archäologisches Forschungszentrum und Museum für menschliche Verhaltensevolution" (Archaeological Research Center and Museum for Human Behavioral Evolution), and in 2014 the new permanent exhibition "MenschlICHes VERSTEHEN" opened. Rather than walking through epochs, it centers on questions about the origin and development of human behavior and invites visitors to touch and try things out.

Today MONREPOS is a branch of the LEIZA – Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (formerly RGZM) and a teaching site of the University of Mainz. Alongside the museum, it houses laboratories, a specialist library, and study collections; since 2017 it has presented the international Human Roots Award every year.

Highlights

• Hands-on exhibition "MenschlICHes VERSTEHEN" on the evolution of human behavior
• A touchable exhibition: visitors discover and interpret the exhibits themselves
• Photographic works by Norwegian artist Marie Sjøvold in the exhibition
• Research museum with laboratories and views over the Middle Rhine Valley
• Family tour every Saturday and Stone Age workshops for children

Permanent exhibitions

• MenschlICHes VERSTEHEN – Interactive permanent exhibition in which visitors use archaeological finds and research results to explore for themselves where traits such as curiosity, creativity, or faith come from.

Founded

1988

Operated by

LEIZA – Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie

Director

Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser

Admission & discounts

With the WBG-KulturCard, two tickets for the price of one.

Accessibility

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

According to the museum, as wheelchair-accessible as possible; accessible restrooms in the exhibition and education area, and the terrace and café-restaurant are accessible. The exhibition deliberately emphasizes touching and trying things out. Dogs are allowed in the exhibition only as assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Family tour every Saturday (45 minutes); monthly “miniMon” workshop for children ages 6 and up. Free tablet tour “MonQuest” for families with children ages 8 to 12 and the discovery trail “Mission Mammut” for children up to age 7. Baby changing table in the accessible restroom in the exhibition. Children up to age 6 free.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Monrepos 2, 56567 Neuwied.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Café-restaurant “Heimathirsch” (Thu–Sun 12:00–18:00, Wed private events only, currently cash only) with a panoramic terrace; museum shop “MonSouvenir” in the entrance area. Dogs are welcome in the restaurant and shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Rooms for celebrations, conferences, and seminars on request; catering for groups and events through the "Heimathirsch".

Plan your visit