Museum im Oberen Schloss Greiz

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Upper Castle rises on a hill about 50 meters high in the middle of Greiz. The name Greiz first appears in a document from 1209, but the castle is considerably older: during restoration work a Romanesque double chapel was discovered, whose timber is dated to 1188. It is one of the few surviving double chapels in Thuringia. The building combines elements from the Romanesque through Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque to Rococo. Many rooms feature valuable stucco, and the Baroque castle church is linked by a staircase to the princely gallery.

Until 1809 the castle was, apart from a brief interruption, the residence of the Lords, Counts and Princes Reuß of the Elder Line. Then Heinrich XIII moved into the Lower Castle, and the Upper Castle served as the seat of the princely state government and the consistory until November 11, 1918.

Since 2010, part of the building has housed the permanent exhibition "Vom Land der Vögte zum Fürstentum Reuß älterer Linie" on the history of the Vögte, counts and princes and their small-state court culture. It uses hands-on stations, a talking elevator as a journey through time from 1209, computer-animated building history and a 3D film in the double chapel.

Highlights

• Romanesque double chapel from the 12th century
• 3D film "Glanz und Gloria der Reussen"
• Talking elevator as a journey through time from 1209
• Hands-on stations with knight's and miners' helmets
• Baroque castle church and stucco-decorated rooms

Permanent exhibition

• Vom Land der Vögte zum Fürstentum Reuß älterer Linie – The multimedia permanent exhibition traces the history of the Vögte, counts and princes Reuß from 1209 into the 18th century, with hands-on stations, a talking elevator and a 3D film in the Romanesque double chapel.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Stadt Greiz

Admission & discounts

Tickets are only valid on the day of purchase.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Wheelchair-accessible glass elevator with voice announcements, an accessible restroom, and a doorbell for wheelchair users at the entrance. One accessible parking space is in the Upper Castle courtyard, directly in front of the entrance. The access road up the castle hill is steep, so arriving by car or taxi up to the castle is recommended (vehicles with a parking permit may drive up the hill). Information according to the review report of the Greiz disability association.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The exhibition is designed as a history experience for young and old: try on knight's and miners' helmets, sit in the sound chair, and watch the 3D film in the double chapel. Group programs "Schloss-Action" for children: from age 4 (knights' tournament, about 1.5 hours) and from age 7 (action game, 1.5 to 2 hours); family ticket €15.

Getting there & parking

The castle stands on the Schlossberg hill in the middle of town; the climb is steep.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 120 guests.

The following can be rented: the Great Princely Hall (153 m², up to 120 seats in rows), the Small Princely Hall (77 m², 50 seats), the Upper Castle courtyard (approx. 450 m²) and the Princely Stables (approx. 150 m², 100 seats). Weddings take place in the Great and Small Princely Halls; dates are arranged through the Greiz Registry Office. The tenant handles setup and decoration.

Plan your visit