Stadtmuseum Haus zum Löwen

About the museum

The Haus zum Löwen stood on a corner of Neu-Isenburg's square town plan, laid out in 1699, and was first mentioned in 1702 as "Au Lion d'Or". It was the first inn of the Huguenot settlers and served as a tavern until 1918, afterwards temporarily as an emergency shelter and a public soup kitchen. In 1958 a small local history museum was set up there as a forerunner of today's city museum. Because of structural decay, the building was demolished in 1976 and rebuilt true to the original.

From 2009 to 2011 the museum was remodeled, the entrance made barrier-free and the exhibition redesigned. It spans three floors. On the ground floor, a replica of an apple wine tavern invites visitors to linger, and a music hall recalls the town's singing and club traditions, with singers such as Franz Völker and Anny Schlemm. On the second floor, the focus is the oath of loyalty sworn by the 34 Huguenot families to Count Johann Philipp zu Ysenburg und Büdingen, the planned town, and typical trades such as hare-hair cutting, wallet making, or the Frankfurter Würstchen.

On the top floor, children can follow the path of Neu-Isenburg astronaut Thomas Reiter at hands-on stations. Thanks to the free admission ("Zahle, was du willst") and an extensive education program, visitor numbers rose by 75 percent between 2015 and 2019.

Highlights

• Former first inn of the Huguenot settlers, dating from 1702
• Replica of an apple wine tavern in the entrance area
• Music hall on Franz Völker and Anny Schlemm
• Space-travel hands-on stations on astronaut Thomas Reiter
• Admission by choice ("Zahle, was du willst")

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung zur Stadtgeschichte – Over three floors, the exhibition covers the founding and everyday life of the Huguenot settlement, trades and crafts, and the development into a town.
• Weltraum und Raumfahrt – On the top floor, children follow the path of Neu-Isenburg astronaut Thomas Reiter at hands-on stations.

Operated by

Stadt Neu-Isenburg

Visitors per year

approx. 5,140 (2023)

Admission & discounts

Admission is at the visitor's discretion ("Zahle, was du willst", or "pay what you want").

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance was made barrier-free during the 2009–2011 remodel.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Workshops for children: rocket workshop (ages 8–10), printing workshop with historical presses (from age 8), and further modules such as washing laundry as it was 200 years ago or writing with a quill; these can also be booked for children's birthday parties. The top floor with its space theme is especially aimed at children.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Alter Ort, Löwengasse 24.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Small museum shop in the entrance area, and an apple wine tavern (replica) for tastings, lectures and meetings.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit