Museum Deutscher Fayencen

About the museum

Schloss Höchstädt an der Donau was built between 1589 and 1603 as a widow's residence for Duchess Anna, wife of Count Palatine Philipp Ludwig of Palatinate-Neuburg, in the late Renaissance style; the Gothic tower of the earlier castle was preserved as a bell tower. The painted castle chapel is considered an important testimony of South German Protestantism before the Counter-Reformation. Later the castle served only secondary purposes, which is why much of its original form was preserved.

After a comprehensive restoration by the Bavarian Palace Administration, the Museum Deutscher Fayencen opened on the upper floor in April 2010. Its core is the Klaus Nottbohm collection, which the Free State acquired in the early 1990s, supplemented by pieces from the Munich Residence as well as later purchases and donations. During the work, 18th-century wall paintings came to light, which are now part of the tour; in 2012 a modern reception building followed.

On just under 900 square meters, the museum shows around a thousand pieces of faience from numerous German manufactories. A reconstructed kiln explains the technique, while settings such as a set dining table, a show kitchen, and a coffeehouse show everyday use. The castle also contains a permanent exhibition on the Battle of Höchstädt in 1704.

Highlights

• Reconstructed faience kiln
• Set Baroque dining table, show kitchen, and coffeehouse
• Fish-shaped table fountain and a floor-to-ceiling tiled stove niche
• Rediscovered 18th-century wall paintings
• Permanent exhibition on the Battle of Höchstädt in 1704
• Hands-on stations for young and old

Permanent exhibitions

• Museum Deutscher Fayencen – Tour of the technique, manufactories, and use of German faience of the 17th and 18th centuries, with a reconstructed kiln, Baroque dining table, show kitchen, and coffeehouse.
• Die Schlacht von Höchstädt 1704 – Exhibition on the battle in the War of the Spanish Succession, its political context, warfare around 1700, and the fate of soldiers and civilians, with finds from the battlefield.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen

Admission & discounts

Tickets only at the castle ticket office. Annual passes and multi-day tickets of the Bavarian Palace Administration are valid.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Step-free access to the ticket office with an automatic glass door, elevator to all exhibition floors. Accessible restroom in the Schlosscafé. Parking west of the castle (approx. 75 m paved path); access to the castle courtyard possible by prior arrangement by phone. No wheelchairs for loan, no tactile guidance system for the blind, no induction loop.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Hands-on stations and settings for young and old. Children's birthday parties with a child-friendly tour and workshop (2–3 hours, up to 10 children, €85). Strollers can be left at the ticket office.

Getting there & parking

Access via the B 16.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Schlosscafé Höchstädt with an outdoor area in the castle courtyard. Lockers for large bags and backpacks, free Wi-Fi in the ticket and shop area. Dogs are not allowed in the castle.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Knights' Hall for lectures, ceremonies, and concerts as well as two seminar rooms for conferences and workshops; catering via the Schlosscafé and the Schlosskeller.

Plan your visit