Things to do in Thuringia, Germany: The Best History Museums

Hier wird Historisches zeitgemäß! Im Museum Flohburg präsentieren sich mehr als 1100 Jahre Stadtgeschichte anschaulich und informativ. Auch architektonisch gelingt der Schulterschluss zwischen jahrhundertealtem Fachwerkbau und Modernem Neubau an der Längsachse des Ensembles. Die Flohburg gilt als Symbol für die Kunst, Altes zu bewahren und Neues zu erleben. Die Stadt historische Dauerausstellung wird ergänzt um regelmäßig wechselnde Sonderausstellungen zu zeitgeschichtlich bedeutenden Themen. Der besondere Fokus liegt auf der Nordhäuser Geschichte. Über drei Etagen präsentiert sich die Ausstellung - den Besuch erwarten spannende Einblicke, interessante Hör-Erlebnisse und erstaunliche Mitmach-Aktionen. Eine historische Bohlenstube oder ein original erhaltener Tiefkeller bieten Gelegenheit. längst vergangenen Zeiten nachzuspüren. Im angrenzenden Museumsgarten finden sich Heilkräuter, seltene Obstgehölze und Lapidarium.

The Goethe National Museum is the most important museum for the presentation and study of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s life and works. An extraordinary treasure is contained within – the poet’s actual residence with original furnishings and collection pieces. Numerous items from his personal collections are on display in the accompanying exhibition “Flood of Life – Storm of Deeds” which highlights Goethe’s vastly diverse interests beyond his literary production.

This place is temporarily closed. The former residence of the grand ducal family of Saxony-Weimar and Eisenach possesses a rich and eventful history. For many centuries, the castle represented the cultural heart of the city. It was here that the artistically-minded Ernestine dynasty lived and ruled for almost 400 years in the company of famous poets, philosophers, artists and composers. The first phase of a major renovation project at the Weimar City Castle began in summer 2018. A new Klassik Stiftung Weimar visitor centre on the ground floor will be completed in the following years. Large sections of the castle will be opened to visitors free of charge. On the upper-level belétage, curators are busy developing a new exhibition which includes rooms which have never been opened to the public before. Following the grand re-opening, visitors can look forward to fascinating stories that took place inside and “behind the scenes” of the castle.

Buchenwald (1937-1945) became a synonym for the crimes committed by the National Socialists. Until 1950, the Soviets used the grounds for a special camp; after 1958 the German Democratic Republic established the “Nationale Mahn- und Gedenkstätte” here. After 1990, the memorial was reorganized according to a new concept now also providing for commemoration of the fates of other victim groups. New exhibitions place the crimes in their historical contexts. The history of Weimar and Buchenwald provides a unique historical resonator for historical-political education work. This uniqueness lies in the proximity between the camp and Weimar as a cultural centre, and in the access thus offered to the past. Opening hours Museums | 10 - 18 Uhr The outdoor facilities are accessible daily until sundown. |