Wallfahrtsmuseum Gößweinstein
Modern museum in the former sexton's house next to the Gößweinstein basilica, with wax votive figures, pilgrimage history and sacred art.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Wallfahrtsmuseum Gößweinstein (Pilgrimage Museum) opened in September 2008. It brings together Germany's largest Trinity pilgrimage, the important Baroque basilica designed by Balthasar Neumann, and an exceptional collection of life-size, clothed votive figures made of wax in one place. With over 100 examples, the holdings of wax votive figures are particularly extensive; the custom died out in the mid-20th century.
The museum is housed in the former sexton's and school building from the 18th century. It belongs to the "Heiliger Bezirk" (Holy Precinct) around the parish and pilgrimage church, and thus also preserves the historic village ensemble together with the church and its pilgrimage treasure. The building is a LEADER-Plus project in Upper Franconia; the sponsor is the Trägerverein Wallfahrtsmuseum Gößweinstein e. V. (sponsoring association).
Across about 275 square meters and three floors, the exhibition spans from the general phenomenon of pilgrimage in the world religions to the Trinity pilgrimage at Gößweinstein. Video stations open up the sometimes small rooms, a timeline shows 2,000 years of Christian pilgrimage, and display cases are devoted to Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago. The museum also looks after branch sites in St. Moritz near Leutenbach and at the Lohranger in Pinzberg.
Highlights
- Over 100 life-size, clothed wax votive figures
- Original designs for the basilica's ceiling paintings
- Timeline of 2,000 years of Christian pilgrimage
- Display cases on the long-distance pilgrimage destinations Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago
- Children's search game about the pilgrimage mouse Walli
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung zu Wallfahrt, Pilgern und Dreifaltigkeitsverehrung – From pilgrimage in the world religions and 2,000 years of Christian pilgrimage to the Gößweinstein Trinity pilgrimage, with wax votive figures, church treasures and video stations.
- Founded
- 2008
- Operated by
- Trägerverein Wallfahrtsmuseum Gößweinstein e. V.
- Director
- Susi Hopp
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Children under 6 have free admission; school classes €1.50 per person. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €2 per personPer person for groups of 15 or more. |
| School classes (per person) | €1.50 |
| Guided museum tour (group rate, approx. 1 hour) | €35In addition to museum admission per person; can also be booked outside opening hours. |
| Combined tour of museum and basilica, 5–14 people (approx. 75 minutes) | €90Flat fee; for 15 people or more, €6 per person. |
| "Durch den Heiligen Bezirk" (Through the Holy Precinct) tour for up to 20 people (approx. 1 hour) | €70Flat rate; for 21 people or more, €4 per person; with museum admission but without tour, €5. |
| Tour of Gößweinstein's Baroque old town center for up to 20 people | €70Flat rate; for 21 people or more, €4 per person; with museum admission but without tour, €5. |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Children can take part in a search game about the pilgrimage mouse Walli; the Walli-Maus-Weg (Walli Mouse Trail) belongs to the museum. Children under 6 have free admission.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the village center of Gößweinstein, directly next to the pilgrimage basilica (Balthasar-Neumann-Straße 4).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups by prior arrangement, including outside opening hours. No tours take place in the church on Sundays and public holidays. |
