Deutsches Landwirtschaftsmuseum Schloss Blankenhain

About the museum

Schloss Blankenhain, west of Crimmitschau, dates back to a moated castle whose origins reach into the Middle Ages. After a fire in 1661, the manor was rebuilt by 1699/1700, and in 1765 it received its Baroque mansard roof with tower domes. After a series of noble owners, the estate passed from 1774 to middle-class families, including textile manufacturers; the last owning family was expropriated in the 1945 land reform.

In 1981, the then Agrar- und Landwirtschaftsmuseum Schloss Blankenhain opened on the site. In October 2006, it reopened as the Deutsches Landwirtschaftsmuseum (German Agricultural Museum); under this name it cooperates with the museum of the same name at the University of Hohenheim.

Today the complex combines a palace museum, open-air museum, technology museum, and folklore museum: on roughly 11 to 13 hectares stand about 80 buildings – including a village school, mill, parsonage, and mausoleum – with around 100 themed exhibitions on rural life and work from the 18th century to the present. The museum is known for its collection of homemade tractors, considered the largest of its kind. Markets, craft days, and hands-on activities round out the program.

Highlights

• World's largest collection of homemade tractors
• Baroque manor house with mansard roof from 1765
• About 80 buildings and some 100 themed exhibitions on the open-air grounds
• Historic village school, mill, and parsonage
• Craft demonstrations and seasonal markets

Permanent exhibitions

• Zugmaschinen im Eigenbau – According to the museum, the world's largest collection of homemade tractors, telling the story of rural inventiveness.
• Rittergut und Schloss – The manor's living and working quarters tell the story of its changing owners, from the landed gentry to the manufacturer families.
• Landwirtschaft, Alltagskultur und Handwerk – Numerous themed exhibitions on the open-air grounds about farming, animal husbandry, everyday rural life, and traditional crafts.

Founded

1981

Director

Falk Stier

Admission & discounts

Members of the friends' association free. Different prices apply for special events; no discounts at the basket-weaving and plant market or the cheese and specialty market.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

Accessible paths on the grounds; some historic buildings have only limited access. Inclusive tour route (information at the ticket desk).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's birthday parties for ages 6 and up (max. 12 children; baking, felting, or painting); educational projects for children's and school groups with hands-on activities, such as building toys or baking bread. Children under 6 free, family ticket available. Baby changing room available.

Getting there & parking

West of Crimmitschau near the A4; accessible by car, bus, or bike.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

Museum snack bar as well as the country hotel and restaurant "Haus des Gastes" (opening hours depend on visitor numbers).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit