Städtisches Museum Überlingen

About the museum

The Städtisches Museum Überlingen (municipal museum) was founded in 1871 and is among the oldest and largest cultural history museums on Lake Constance. Since 1913 its collections have been housed in the Reichlin-von-Meldegg-Haus, a patrician palace on the highest point of the old town, with views over the town's roofs and the lake.

The building dates from the 15th century; its rusticated façade of 1462 is considered, according to recent research, one of the earliest testimonies of the Italian Renaissance north of the Alps. Inside, a Baroque ceremonial hall, a house chapel and an early library room are among the notable rooms. The ceremonial hall is used for concerts, lectures and civil weddings.

On four floors and around thirty rooms, the museum tells the history of the former imperial city from the formation of Lake Constance to modern times. On view are, among other things, a Neolithic copper axe, Gothic altar panels, sculptures by the Zürn family of sculptors and by Joseph Anton Feuchtmayer, the herbal book of the apothecary Jakob Han, and furnished patrician rooms. On the top floor the museum is devoted to folk customs, Fasnet (carnival) and traditional costumes; particularly well known is the collection of 55 historic dollhouses. The museum is directed by Peter Graubach.

Highlights

• Renaissance façade of 1462 and view over the old town and Lake Constance
• Baroque ceremonial hall and house chapel
• Collection of 55 historic dollhouses
• Sculptures by the Zürn family of sculptors and by Joseph Anton Feuchtmayer
• Herbal book of the apothecary Jakob Han

Permanent exhibitions

• Überlingen. Stadt am See. – Local history on the first floor, from the formation of Lake Constance to its heyday as an imperial city, with interactive stations.
• Puppenstuben, Brauchtum und Trachten – On the top floor, Fasnet figures, traditional costumes, testimonies of the sword dance and 55 historic dollhouses from several centuries.

Founded

1871

Operated by

Stadt Überlingen

Director

Peter Graubach

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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
• Audio description: no information

The museum is not accessible. The museum garden can be reached via a mobile ramp. The website offers information in Easy Language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Museum rally through all thirty rooms for families and school classes, with a small surprise from the treasure chest; plus an audio guide for children. The dollhouse collection is especially popular.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Museum shop. Larger bags and backpacks must be left at the cloakroom or in lockers. Own food and drinks only in the museum garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Baroque ceremonial hall is used for concerts, lectures and civil weddings; rental through Überlingen Marketing und Tourismus GmbH.

Plan your visit