Museum Schloss Rochsburg

Current exhibitions

About the museum

On a rocky spur about 50 meters above the Zwickauer Mulde river, the Rochsburg fortress was built around 1190; it is first documented in records this year. Until the 15th century the complex was expanded several times and, under the master builder Arnold von Westfalen, converted into a castle. It took on its present appearance in the mid-16th century under the lords of Schönburg. The outer grounds, with their gatehouse, half-timbered wall walk, and defensive walls, kept their fortified character.

The Schönburg family remained the owners of Rochsburg until 1945. The core castle has housed a museum since as early as 1911. From 1932 to 1998, the castle also served as a large youth hostel, which a small exhibition today commemorates.

Today the complex belongs to the Mittelsachsen district and is run by Mittelsächsische Kultur gGmbH. The museum shows domestic culture from the 16th to the 19th century, including the ancestral gallery of the Counts of Schönburg; the costume exhibition "Leute machen Kleider" on 1000 years of fashion history; and an exhibition on natural building materials in the Großer Keller (great cellar). Highlights of the complex include the keep with a one-hand clock from 1640, a 53-meter-deep well, and the restored St. Anna castle chapel.

Highlights

• Costume exhibition "Leute machen Kleider" with 52 examples from 1000 years of fashion history
• Domestic culture from the 16th to the 19th century and ancestral gallery of the Counts of Schönburg
• Keep with a one-hand clock from 1640 (tower tour)
• St. Anna castle chapel and 53-meter-deep well
• Half-timbered wall walk and Powder Tower in the outer bailey
• Memorial room for the castle's former youth hostel

Permanent exhibitions

• Leute machen Kleider – The exhibition presents 52 selected examples from 1000 years of fashion history, including earlier underwear.
• Wohnkultur und Ahnengalerie – Formal rooms furnished from the 16th to the 19th century, plus the ancestral gallery of the Counts of Schönburg.
• Lehm, Schilf, Stein – Werkstoffe nicht nur für Pharaonen – In the Great Cellar, the exhibition explains natural building materials.

Founded

1911

Operated by

Mittelsächsische Kultur gGmbH (Eigentümer: Landkreis Mittelsachsen)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every second Saturday of the month, as well as International Museum Day and Open Monument Day (13 days a year); events and guided tours are excluded.

Free admission for children up to age 5 and for holders of the Schlösserlandkarte (castle map), the Saxon Family Pass, the Saxon Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card), and members of the German Museums Association.

Accessibility

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

Most of the castle complex is not barrier-free, and the museum cannot be reached without barriers. The entrance to the outer grounds is only partly accessible for wheelchair users; by arrangement, the lower castle courtyard can be reached by car. Outdoors there are a tactile model of the complex and information boards with Braille; guided tours for blind and visually impaired visitors by advance registration (€6 per person, including a companion).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children's audio guide, treasure hunt (ages 5 to 8), exterior tour for children aged 4 to 14, and the project "Die Rochsburger Bienenburg" (ages 5 and up), plus project days for daycare centers (Kitas), primary schools, and school classes by registration.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A72 (exit 20 Niederfrohna, via Penig), the A4 (exit Chemnitz-Ost, via Burgstädt and Lunzenau), or the A14 (exit Döbeln-Nord, via Elsdorf and Lunzenau). Bicycle racks are located in the castle courtyards; cycle routes include the Mulderadweg and the Bilz-Route, among others. Sturdy footwear recommended.

Amenities & dining

The chocolate manufacturer "Choco Del Sol" is located on the castle grounds.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Weddings in the small festival hall (civil registry office Lunzenau; access via 79 steps), as well as free ceremonies in the festival hall or the South Zwinger.

Plan your visit