Museum im Zeughaus
Interactive museum in the old armory (Zeughaus) of the Vechta citadel, covering town, Stone Age, medieval and penal history over three floors.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum im Zeughaus is located in the Vechta citadel, in the old armory dating from 1698. The building later served as a prison; inmates were housed there until 1991. Today it tells stories over three floors and more than 1,000 square meters, from the Bronze Age through the Middle Ages and the Thirty Years' War to more recent times.
The concept sees the museum as a historical museum that combines political, economic, social and settlement history. Visitors can handle exhibits and make things themselves in historical workshops. The house has received several awards for its museum program.
The museum also includes the Mittelalterzentrum (Medieval Center) with the Castrum Vechtense, a reconstruction being built in the citadel park of an 11th/12th-century castle complex (dreiinselige Burganlage). The castle tower and garden grounds can already be visited.
Highlights
- History to touch and take part in
- Historical workshops for making things yourself
- Exhibition on the historical penal system in the former prison
- Castrum Vechtense: reconstruction of an 11th/12th-century castle
- Citadel park by the water
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung im Zeughaus – Staged displays on the Stone Age, the Middle Ages and the Baroque, on town history and the historical penal system, with many hands-on stations and historical workshops.
- Founded
- 1997
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3trainees, students, people in military or federal voluntary service, people with disabilities, pensioners (with proof) |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 5 · Children and young people aged 6 to 17 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3companion free |
| Groups (20+ people) | €3 per personFrom 20 people |
| Families | €7.50Two adults and up to five children |
| Castrum Vechtense | €2.50Children aged 6 to 17: €1.50 |
| Museum plus (Zeughaus and Castrum Vechtense) | €5Children aged 6 to 17: €2.50 |
Slightly higher prices apply during special exhibitions. Free for members of the Förderverein (friends' association), members of the Museumsband, press and holders of the Seniorenkarte. Using the toilet without visiting the museum: €0.50.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
All three floors are accessible.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €7.50 · Two adults and up to five children |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's birthday parties (60 minutes, up to 25 children, base price €30 plus admission) with crafts, leatherwork, knights and castles, blacksmithing from age 10, or guided tours; in the workshops children can make something themselves.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
From Vechta station turn right onto An der Gräfte, then after about 400 meters turn right onto Zitadelle.
By car via the A 1, exit Vechta, then follow the signs; navigation: Zitadelle 15, 49377 Vechta.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Café on selected Sundays from 15:00 to 17:00; museum shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for adults, school classes, kindergartens and children's birthday parties can be booked via the website. |
