Perlmutter- und Heimatmuseum Adorf

About the museum

In 1955, a small local history museum opened in the Freiberger Tor in Adorf, on the history of the oldest town in the Upper Vogtland. From the 1990s, a special collection on mother-of-pearl processing was added, because Adorf was once the center of German mother-of-pearl goods production. The basis was the former abundance of freshwater pearl mussels in the Weiße Elster catchment area; after the electoral and later royal pearl fishing, the Adorf craftsmen also processed mussel shells from 1850 onward.

Because the rooms in the Freiberger Tor no longer sufficed for the growing collection, the project "ErlebnisZentrumPerlmutter" (Mother-of-Pearl Experience Center) was carried out from 2020 to 2025. The mother-of-pearl exhibition moved into the heritage-listed building next to the gate; a new building in between provides an entrance area, space for special exhibitions and museum education. The house is now known as the Erlebnismuseum Perlmutter (Mother-of-Pearl Experience Museum).

Across three floors, a media-supported, self-guided exhibition covers the life of the freshwater pearl mussel, the history of pearl fishing and the production of mother-of-pearl goods. Species protection is also addressed: the mussel is threatened with extinction worldwide, and a breeding project is presented. The town history exhibition in the Freiberger Tor is currently closed for revision. The museum is run by the town of Adorf; together with Klein-Vogtland and the Botanical Garden, it forms the Museum Adorf.

Highlights

• Immersive, media-based exhibition across three floors
• Life of the freshwater pearl mussel and pearl fishing in the Vogtland
• Mother-of-pearl treasures of Adorf's industry
• Media and play stations for all generations
• Species protection project with a breeding program for the freshwater pearl mussel

Permanent exhibition

• Erlebnisausstellung Perlmutter – Media-based exhibition on the freshwater pearl mussel, pearl fishing in the Vogtland and the mother-of-pearl treasures of Adorf's industry, including species protection and a breeding project.

Founded

1955

Operated by

Stadt Adorf/Vogtl. (Museum Adorf)

Admission & discounts

20% combination discount with proof of admission from Klein-Vogtland and the Botanical Garden (valid for seven days; cannot be combined with guest card or group discounts). Free admission for, among others, children under 5, holders of the Sächsischer Familienpass (Saxon family pass) and the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card), members of ICOM, the German and Saxon Museum Associations, members of the Förderverein (friends' association), and holders of press cards.

Accessibility

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

Suitable for people with mobility impairments (walking aids, wheelchairs). Accessible parking space in front of the building. Assistance dogs are permitted with proof.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Media and play stations for all generations, family ticket for 2 adults with up to 4 children. Daycare and school groups are supported by the museum educator.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the town center near the market square. Bicycle parking and e-bike charging stations are to the right of the entrance, next to the town gate.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check
• Lockers

Bags, backpacks and jackets must stay in the cloakroom or lockers (€1 or €2 coin as deposit). The Tourist Info is also located in the building.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit