Thermen am Viehmarkt

About the museum

During construction work for a car park on the Viehmarktplatz, archaeologists came upon foundations from various periods in 1987. Excavations of the site continued until 1994: early Roman houses from the founding era of the city, streets and canals, a large building from the 2nd century whose purpose remains a puzzle today and which was converted into a public bath in the 4th century, as well as a medieval refuse pit, remains of a Jewish cemetery and the cellars of a Baroque Capuchin monastery.

To preserve the excavation findings, a glass building was constructed to designs by architect Oswald Mathias Ungers; it encloses the site like a display case and makes Trier's history from antiquity to World War II visible. The site has been open to visitors since June 1998. On the square above, granite bands trace the course of the ancient streets.

The Thermen am Viehmarkt belong to the "Zentrum der Antike" (Center of Antiquity) of the Generaldirektion Kulturelles Erbe Rheinland-Pfalz. Besides museum operations, the glass building serves as a venue for exhibitions and events and can be rented for celebrations or conferences. Anyone wishing to learn more about ancient bathing will find two further large Roman bath complexes in Trier: the Kaiserthermen and the Barbarathermen.

Highlights

• Roman bath complex under glass
• Glass building by Oswald Mathias Ungers
• Streets, canals and houses from the founding era of Trier
• Cellars of the Baroque Capuchin monastery
• Picture show "Baden wie die Römer"

Permanent exhibitions

• Archäologischer Befund unter Glas – Foundations of Roman houses, the bath complex, streets and canals, as well as medieval and Baroque remains, can be seen in situ.
• Bildtheater „Baden wie die Römer“ – A picture show presents how people in Roman Trier bathed, groomed themselves and met friends.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Generaldirektion Kulturelles Erbe Rheinland-Pfalz (GDKE)

Admission & discounts

Children under 6 enter free; tickets are also available online. Admission is free with the Antikencard Trier.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Step-free entrance; an elevator leads to the exhibition area on the first basement level. The second basement level can be reached via a step-free circular route, partly via ramps with a slope; there is an accessible restroom there. The viewing tower on the upper floor is only accessible by steps. Dogs are not allowed, except guide and assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

For families there is a puzzle booklet "Reisepass ins römische Trier" (from second grade, included with admission) and a rally through the baths for children aged 7 and up, available to print for free; the picture show presents the everyday bathing life of the Romans.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The glass building is used for exhibitions and events and can be rented as an event venue.

Plan your visit