Stadt- und Kulturgeschichtliches Museum Torgau

About the museum

The museum displays its collections in the Kurfürstliche Kanzlei (Electoral Chancery) below Hartenfels Castle. Elector Frederick the Wise acquired the grounds of the former farmyard of Nimbschen Abbey in 1523 and had the new chancery building erected there; it was connected to the castle by a covered walkway. It served as the advisory and administrative centre of the elector, where the Wittenberg reformers also came and went; here the Electoral Saxon chancery language was cultivated, which Martin Luther is said to have drawn on for his Bible translation.

In 1711 Tsar Peter the Great lived in the house and met the polymath Leibniz in a corner room on the first floor. In the 18th century a manufactory was set up in the building, mainly producing cloth for the uniforms of the Saxon army. After comprehensive restoration, the state of the 16th century can be experienced again, including the house chapel of the monastery courtyard, the vaults of the Ernestine archive, the room of the chancery clerks and the council chamber.

Since 2005 the Stadt- und Kulturgeschichtliche Museum has been based here. The permanent exhibition spans from the first documentary mention of Torgau in 973 through brewing and the heyday as a Renaissance and Reformation residence, to the period as a fortress town and Prussian garrison and on into the 20th century. It also serves as an introduction to the Torgau Museum Trail with its other houses in the town centre.

Highlights

• Electoral Chancery from 1523 with house chapel and council chamber
• Overview of town history from castle to Renaissance residence
• Torgau as the "nurse of the Reformation", with Luther, Melanchthon and Katharina von Bora
• Torgau as a fortress and garrison town
• Introduction to the Torgau Museum Trail

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung zur Stadtgeschichte Torgaus – Overview of the most important events in Torgau's history, from its foundation through the residence and Reformation era to the 20th century, shown in the Electoral Chancery.

Director

Cornelia König

Admission & discounts

Further combination tickets for houses on the Museum Trail are available.

Accessibility

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

The ground floor is largely barrier-free; a lift serves the upper floors. Animals may only enter the building as guide dogs for the blind.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Designated as a family-friendly institution. A museum scavenger hunt with a flyer leads through the three floors; there are also children's birthday parties, tours with hands-on projects and holiday programmes. Changing facilities, toilet seats and washbasin stools are available. Strollers may not be taken into the exhibition rooms.

Getting there & parking

By car via the B87, B182 or B183. The museum is in the Wintergrüne below Hartenfels Castle.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Museum shop with publications.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 60 guests.

The Große Stube (large room) of the chancery has space for up to 60 people (seating, screen, projector on request). The inner courtyard with its herb garden is suitable for outdoor celebrations and secular wedding ceremonies. Prices and availability on request.

Plan your visit