Völkerkundemuseum Heidelberg

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum is run by the Josefine und Eduard von Portheim-Stiftung für Wissenschaft und Kunst (foundation for science and art), established in 1919 by mineralogist Victor Goldschmidt and his wife Leontine, née von Portheim. In 1921 the foundation acquired the Palais Weimar on Hauptstraße to house its collections; the first exhibitions followed in the 1920s, and there have been regular opening hours since 1929.

Built around 1710 between Hauptstraße and the Neckar River, the Baroque palace is one of the oldest residential buildings in the Old Town and has a historic garden with a terrace overlooking the river. The collection comprises around 40,000 objects from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas – works of art as well as objects of everyday life and religion. A considerable part comes from donations, and the provenance of the holdings is being intensively researched.

Since 2023, Alban von Stockhausen has directed the museum and is reorienting it as an open, participatory museum. Major temporary exhibitions, a storytelling lab in the visible storage, collaborations with the university, and educational programs for schools shape the current program.

Highlights

• Baroque Palais Weimar (around 1710) with garden and Neckar terrace
• Around 40,000 objects from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
• Major special exhibitions on current topics
• Storytelling lab in the visible storage
• Media guide included in admission

Permanent exhibitions

• Erzähllabor im Schaudepot – Experimental space where researchers, artists, and members of the communities of origin contribute their perspectives on collection objects.

Founded

1919

Operated by

Josefine und Eduard von Portheim-Stiftung für Wissenschaft und Kunst

Director

Alban von Stockhausen

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for all exhibitions and the museum garden; the media guide and regular public guided tours are included in admission. Free admission with the HeidelbergCARD and for members of the friends' association. The exhibition "Inspirationen" is donation-based.

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

According to the museum, the rooms and garden are not accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Regular programs for children and families, e.g., workshops and fairy-tale afternoons for 6- to 12-year-olds, a printmaking workshop for ages 5 and up, family tours "Alles Familie!", and workshops as part of the Heidelberger Ferienpass (school-holiday pass). Family ticket for two adults with school-age children.

Getting there & parking

By car, head toward Eberbach/Neckargemünd, take the Karlstor exit, then turn right onto Hauptstraße.

Amenities & dining

Publications available (also online).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 70 guests.

Banquet hall in the Palais Weimar for up to 70 people (concert seating) with access to the garden and optional Neckar terrace, a separate buffet or meeting room, kitchenette, and technical equipment; catering through external partners.

Plan your visit