History of the town and seaside resort of Doberan and Heiligendamm in the neo-Gothic villa of architect Möckel, with free admission.
Through December 19, 2026
The exhibition covers monastic life in Doberan: newly discovered sermons by Augustine from the 12th century, monastic records and the Mecklenburg Rhymed Chronicle, complemented by stamps, coins and medals.
Neo-Gothic architect Gotthilf Möckel had the building constructed in 1888 as a residential and commercial house of brick, half-timbering and stained glass. After the death of his widow in 1926, the villa faced a new use; in the early 1930s it came into municipal ownership, and in 1934 a local history museum moved in.
After 1945 refugees were housed in the building, and many furnishings and exhibits were lost. It then served as an agricultural school until around 1954 and afterwards as a special school until 1980. Since the early 1980s the building has again housed the museum. Between 1998 and 2004 it was extensively renovated and its original condition largely restored.
Today the first floor houses the permanent exhibition on the history of Doberan and Heiligendamm as the summer residence of the Mecklenburg dukes and the first German seaside resort. Furniture, prints, paintings, medical instruments, travel items, clothing and swimwear from over 200 years tell of bathing customs, prominent guests and anecdotes. The ground floor has rooms for temporary exhibitions and the wedding room; in the garden stands, among other things, a historic bathing cart (Badekarren).
Admission is free.
| Public guided tour (July and August, Wednesdays at 11:00) | €3per person |
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| Group guided tour on request (up to 15 people) | €25each additional person €2; maximum 20 people per group |
Admission is free.
The museum points out that it offers barrier-free access.
Great for kids & families
Play corner for painting, crafting and puzzles; with the “Museumsdetektiv” quiz, children can search for the exhibits.
ZOB Bad Doberan
The museum is in close proximity to Doberan Minster and the central bus station (ZOB) and is easily reachable by public transport.
Parking available
Parking is available near the museum.
About 300 meters from Doberan Minster.
Get directionsThe museum hasn’t published any information on this.
The wedding room in the historic house can be used for marriages; dates via the civil registry office (Standesamt) at the town hall (Severinstraße 6).
Inquiries & details| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
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| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public guided tours in July and August every Wednesday at 11:00. Group tours on request, also outside opening hours, last 45 to 60 minutes. For children and young people there are themed tours (town history, seaside resort history, Möckel and his house, prehistory) and the “Museumsdetektiv” quiz for preschool and primary school children. |
