Henkerhaus Nürnberg

Over het museum

The Henkerhaus (Executioner's House) is part of a picturesque half-timbered ensemble on the Trödelmarkt island and spans an arm of the Pegnitz River. It dates back to the wall walks of the city's second-to-last fortifications, which lost their purpose when the wall was extended in the 15th century. Shortly afterwards, the city converted the walkways into official residences and assigned them to Nuremberg's executioner, known as the Nachrichter, and his assistant. Of these residences, only the Henkerhaus survives today.

Its best-known resident was Franz Schmidt, who worked for Nuremberg from 1578, was appointed for life in 1584, and retired in 1618. In his service diary he recorded hundreds of executions and corporal punishments; his notes remain an important source on criminal and social history around 1600. Schmidt was granted citizenship in 1593, and in 1624 his family's honor was officially restored. After the last executioner moved out in the 19th century, the corner with the neighboring Weinstadel became a popular postcard motif.

In 2007, the association Geschichte Für Alle e. V. – Institut für Regionalgeschichte set up a small museum in the house. The building was renovated in 2020 and 2021, gaining a new information and ticket area as well as a new permanent exhibition. Rather than putting cruelty in the foreground, it places punishment in the Middle Ages and early modern period in its historical context, with all information in German and English. The house also serves as the information point for the association's city tours.

Hoogtepunten

• Half-timbered house directly above the Pegnitz at the Henkersteg footbridge
• Exhibition on the legal and criminal history of the Free Imperial City
• Life and diary of the executioner Franz Schmidt
• All texts in German and English
• Starting point for city tours and a theatrical walking tour

Vaste collectie

• Rechts- und Kriminalgeschichte im Henkerhaus – Reopened in 2021, the permanent exhibition tells the story of the building and its residents and explains justice and punishment in the Middle Ages and early modern period, with a focus on the executioner Franz Schmidt.

Opgericht

2007

Beheerder

Geschichte Für Alle e. V. – Institut für Regionalgeschichte

Toegangsprijzen & kortingen

Supporting members of Geschichte Für Alle e. V. get free admission.

Toegankelijkheid

• Rolstoeltoegankelijk: niet aanwezig
• Lift: geen informatie
• Aangepast toilet: geen informatie
• Gehandicaptenparkeerplaats: geen informatie
• Hulphonden welkom: geen informatie
• Tastmodellen / voelbare objecten: geen informatie
• Rondleidingen in gebarentaal: geen informatie
• Informatie in eenvoudige taal: geen informatie
• Audiodescriptie: geen informatie

Due to the structure of the historic building, the exhibition is not accessible.

Kinderen & gezin

• Gezinsrondleidingen & workshops

Geschichte Für Alle offers the family adventure tour “Reise ins Mittelalter” (Journey into the Middle Ages), starting from the Henkerhaus. Free admission for children under 14.

Bereikbaarheid & parkeren

The house is in the middle of the old town at Trödelmarkt and is best reached on foot.

Service & horeca

• Museumwinkel

Geschichte Für Alle information point with books on the city's history, gifts and tickets for city tours.

Evenementen & zaalverhuur

Het museum heeft hierover geen informatie gepubliceerd – vraag het rechtstreeks na bij het museum.

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