Stadtmuseum Kaiserslautern

About the museum

The museum owes its former name to Theodor Zink (1871–1934), an elementary school teacher, local historian and later curator of the Landesgewerbeanstalt (state trade institute), who collected folklore and craft objects from the region. From the mid-1920s he was able to show his holdings in rooms of the Stadthaus; the Spittelmühle at Stiftsplatz was prepared for a museum of its own. Zink died in the fall of 1934, a few days before the planned opening, and his successor opened the exhibition to the public in 1935 – with a content focus on folklore and the ideology of the time.

In 1941 the museum was closed and most of the collection was moved to Lower Bavaria; its return dragged on until 1972. On the initiative of the Förderkreis (support circle) founded in 1975, the city set up a new home in the former carters' inn "Zum Rheinkreis" of 1817, which opened on February 18, 1978. The exhibition rooms are on the upper floor; the barn serves as a space for temporary exhibitions and events.

Across the way, the Wadgasserhof belongs to the museum, a former farm estate of Wadgassen Abbey with a medieval core. It houses a chapel vaulted in 1475 and a stucco room with a ceiling from around 1730, which counts among the most significant stucco works in the southwest. The building was to be demolished around 1970 but was restored after the chapel was rediscovered.

Since 2001, the permanent exhibition has told the city's history from the first traces of settlement to the present. In the Wadgasserhof, folklore and decorative arts holdings are on display, complemented by newly acquired objects on the history of the Pfaff sewing machine factory.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on the city's history from the earliest traces of settlement to the present
• Carters' inn "Zum Rheinkreis" of 1817 with courtyard and barn
• Chapel of 1475 with groin vault in the Wadgasserhof
• Stucco ceiling with allegories of the four seasons (around 1730)
• Exhibits on the history of the Pfaff sewing machine factory
• Herb garden in the courtyard of the Wadgasserhof

Permanent exhibitions

• Geschichte der Stadt Kaiserslautern – The permanent exhibition in the "Zum Rheinkreis" building leads chronologically through the history of the city and region, from the earliest traces of settlement to today.
• Ständige Sammlung im Wadgasserhof – The museum's folklore and decorative arts holdings in the historic rooms of the Wadgasserhof, complemented by objects on the Pfaff sewing machine factory.

Founded

1934

Operated by

Stadt Kaiserslautern

Director

Dr. Bernd Klesmann

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The permanent exhibitions are free; admission is charged for special exhibitions (school classes free). Public tours at regular admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 museum is not accessible; the exhibition rooms in the "Zum Rheinkreis" building are on the upper floor.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Holiday activities, children's birthday parties and the children's theater "TIM – Theater im Museum"; in all exhibition areas there are objects to touch. Kindergarten groups are welcome.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A 6 from the direction of Saarbrücken: exit Kaiserslautern-West, then follow the signs toward the city center/Mainz via the B 270 and B 40.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with souvenirs and publications.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The museum's barn can be rented for public and private events; information and dates at 0631 365-2321.

Plan your visit