Stiftsmuseum der Stadt Aschaffenburg
Museum in the medieval chapter house on Stiftsplatz featuring archaeology, medieval and Renaissance art, and the Cranach Magdalene Altarpiece.
About the museum
The Stiftsmuseum dates back to 1854 and has been housed since 1861 in the former chapter house of the collegiate foundation of St. Peter and Alexander. Together with the collegiate church and the Romanesque cloister from around 1220, it forms an ensemble of great architectural-historical significance; the oldest wall remains of the complex go back to the 12th century.
The building was badly damaged in World War II. Restoration began in 1949, and an anniversary exhibition was held in 1957. After a comprehensive renovation from 1985 to 1994, the museum reopened with a new presentation. Surviving historic rooms include a chapter hall from the 12th/13th century and a vestment room with a stucco ceiling from 1723.
The collection spans prehistory, the Roman period with finds from the Limes and a lapidarium, and early medieval grave goods. A key focus is on medieval panel paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects, as well as art from the era of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg. Among the best-known pieces are the Magdalene Altarpiece from the Cranach workshop and an early game board known as the “Rupertus game board.” The collegiate treasury rounds out the collection.
Highlights
- Magdalene Altarpiece from the workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder
- Medieval chapter house with a chapter hall from the 12th/13th century
- Roman finds from the Limes and a lapidarium
- The so-called Rupertus game board
- Collegiate treasury with liturgical objects
Permanent exhibitions
- Archäologie – Finds from the Neolithic through the Roman period on the Limes to early medieval grave goods from the region.
- Kunst des Mittelalters und der Renaissance – Medieval panel paintings, sculptures, and game boards, along with works from the era of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, including the Magdalene Altarpiece from the Cranach workshop.
- Sakrale Kunst und Stiftsschatz – Liturgical objects, bells, and artworks owned by the collegiate foundation of St. Peter and Alexander.
- Founded
- 1854
- Operated by
- Stadt Aschaffenburg (Museen der Stadt Aschaffenburg)
- Director
- Thomas Schauerte
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Retirees, students, unemployed people, people with severe disabilities, groups of 15 or more paying visitors, members of the Geschichts- und Kunstverein, holders of a Bayern-Ticket |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people under 18 free |
| Seniors | €3for retirees |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3companion free · Companion free if noted on the ID |
| Students & apprentices | €3School students over 18 with a student ID or as part of a school class free |
| Groups (15+ people) | €3 per person15 or more paying participants; accompanying teachers and educators free |
| Families | –No family ticket; with the Familienpass Aschaffenburg 50% discount for adults, children and young people under 18 free |
50% discount also with the Kulturpass Aschaffenburg.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- 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
Two exhibition rooms are accessible to wheelchair users via a ramp, the upper floor is not; advance registration required.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Themed tours specifically for children's groups can be booked via the Führungsnetz Aschaffenburg.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Freihofsplatz
Bus 1, 4, 6, or 10 to the “Freihofsplatz” stop; about a 10-minute walk from the main train station.
By car
Parking available · 200 m to the entrance
Theaterplatz underground garage (about 200 m away) with 6 accessible parking spaces.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public guided tours without registration, e.g. “Vom Faustkeil bis zum Cranach-Altar” (October 4, November 22, and December 30, 2026). Themed tours for children's and adult groups can be booked through the Führungsnetz Aschaffenburg. |
