Wirtschaftsmuseum Kreis Ravensburg

About the museum

The foundation of the Kreissparkasse Ravensburg opened the museum in October 2012 as the Wirtschaftsmuseum Ravensburg. It belongs to the old town's museum quarter, which was created between 2009 and 2013 around the Humpis-Quartier, the Museum Ravensburger, and the Kunstmuseum. Initially, the permanent exhibition was devoted to the economic and social history of the district in the 19th and 20th centuries – from agriculture and crafts through industry to trade, banking, and services.

The building at Marktstraße 22 dates back to the Middle Ages and once belonged to the patrician family Furttenbach. In the 19th century it housed the Oberamtspflege (district financial administration), and from 1823 to 1931 also the Oberamtssparkasse, regarded as the oldest district savings bank in Württemberg. Later, the Ravensburger publishing company used the building for its administration for a long time.

After half a year of renovation, the museum reopened on September 26, 2024, with a completely new concept as "The Finance Lab." Since then, about 20 interactive stations on roughly 350 square meters have taught basic knowledge about money, saving, paying, and borrowing; a life-stage guide offers practical tips, and regional companies introduce themselves as "Local Heroes." In the historic vault rooms, the escape game "Mission Fake Money" was created together with Ravensburger.

Highlights

• About 20 interactive stations on saving, paying, owning, and borrowing
• "Financial Life Guide" with financial tips for typical life situations
• Escape game "Mission Fake Money" in the vault of the former Oberamtssparkasse
• Regional companies as "Local Heroes"
• Multipurpose room "Planet Finance" for projects and game meetups

Permanent exhibitions

• The Finance Lab – Interactive exhibition on basic financial education with the sections "Money, Money, Money" and "Financial Life Guide" – from interest and debt to your first own apartment.
• Wirtschaftsgeschichten – Unsere Local Heroes – Portraits of regional companies that combine economic success with social responsibility.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Stiftung der Kreissparkasse Ravensburg

Director

Christian von der Heydt

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The exhibition in the Finance Lab is free; only guided tours and the escape game are paid.

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

The main entrance is step-free. The upper floor can be reached via an elevator in the neighboring building with the help of staff; the accessible restroom is also located there. Groups with several visitors with limited mobility should register in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The museum sees itself as an offering for the whole family; the stations are interactive, and events are also held for children and teenagers. On the first Sunday of the month at 14:00, the free game meetup "Freispiel" invites visitors to play economics-themed board games. In the escape game, children under 14 may only play when accompanied.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Marktstraße 22, 88212 Ravensburg. The museum is located on Marktstraße above Marienplatz, opposite the Humpis-Quartier.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Coat check

Free coat check in the entrance area. Beverages and small snacks are available on site at low prices; eating and drinking is permitted in the "Planet Finance" room and in the furnished inner courtyard.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The multipurpose room "Planet Finance" and the inner courtyard are available for events held by private individuals and institutions; school classes and study groups can use the room free of charge for projects.

Plan your visit