Haus Papst Benedikt XVI. – Neue Schatzkammer und Wallfahrtsmuseum
Pilgrimage museum and treasury on Kapellplatz in Altötting with the Golden Rössl; free admission.
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About the museum
Altötting is the largest place of pilgrimage in the German-speaking world. In 2009 the then Bishop of Passau, Wilhelm Schraml, opened the "Haus Papst Benedikt XVI. – Neue Schatzkammer und Wallfahrtsmuseum" (House of Pope Benedict XVI – New Treasury and Pilgrimage Museum) on Kapellplatz, run by the Diocese of Passau. On almost 1,000 square meters it presents a collection of artworks and objects relating to the pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage museum begins with an overview of the history of the Altötting pilgrimage, then turns to holy places, pilgrimage, and the significance of miraculous images, which are explained by means of copies from large European Marian pilgrimage sites. The upper floor follows the chronology of the Altötting pilgrimage, along with votive offerings and life at a place of pilgrimage. At the end, the visits of John Paul II (1989) and Benedict XVI (2006) are presented.
The treasuries focus on sacred art: liturgical vestments and vessels, around 2,000 rosaries, 1,200 pieces of jewelry, as well as 1,600 coins and pilgrimage badges. The most famous piece is the "Golden Rössl", a small Marian altarpiece of gold and enamel, made in France around 1400. The treasures also include the bridal wreath of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (1854). After about a year and a half of renovation, the house has been open again since Easter Monday 2025.
Highlights
- Golden Rössl, a Marian altarpiece of gold and enamel from around 1400
- Bridal wreath of Empress Elisabeth of Austria
- Around 2,000 rosaries and 1,200 pieces of jewelry
- Chronology of the Altötting pilgrimage with votive offerings
- Free admission
Permanent exhibitions
- Wallfahrtsmuseum – History of the Altötting pilgrimage, holy places and miraculous images, votive offerings, and the papal visits of 1989 and 2006.
- Neue Schatzkammer – Sacred art, including the Golden Rössl, the bridal wreath of Empress Elisabeth, and rosaries, jewelry, coins and pilgrimage badges.
- Founded
- 2009
- Operated by
- Bistum Passau
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Guided tour by arrangement (contribution) | €45Also possible outside opening hours |
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Admission is free. A contribution of €45 is charged for guided tours.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The house is on Kapellplatz in Altötting, directly by the shrine.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| Good to know | Guided tours by arrangement, also outside opening hours, for a contribution of €45. To begin, a multi-image presentation in the media room gives an overview of the history of the Altötting pilgrimage. |
