THE BEST 10 Art Museums in Thuringia 2023
Top 10 Art Museums in Thuringia that you can't miss!
Thuringia, a state located in central Germany, is a cultural hub that is home to numerous art museums. These museums feature art collections spanning several centuries, and they offer visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region.
I will highlight the top 10 art museums in Thuringia. Let the counts begin.
TOP 10 ART MUSEUMS in THURINGIA
1. THE KUNSTHALLE – ERFURT
Firstly I would like to start with The Kunsthalle. Because probably your first destination in Thuringia will be Erfurt.
The museum is housed in a stunning red brick building that was once a medieval jail, and its transformation into an art gallery has preserved the historical significance of the building while showcasing contemporary art. The museum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, making it an excellent destination for a weekend trip.
One of the highlights of Kunsthalle Erfurt is its ever-changing program of exhibitions. The museum showcases a diverse range of contemporary art from around the world, including photography, painting, sculpture, and video art. The exhibitions are curated to challenge and engage visitors, and many are accompanied by talks and events that provide further insights into the works on display.
The museum’s location in the heart of Erfurt also makes it an ideal starting point for a walking tour of the city. Visitors can take in the picturesque architecture and historic landmarks while exploring the winding streets and alleyways.
Visitors can purchase unique and beautiful souvenirs, from books and posters to jewelry and home decor.
The museum is open fromTuesday to Sunday with the following schedule: 11 am to 6 pm, except on Thursdays when it stays open until 10 pm. Admission fees for the museum are 6.00 Euros for adults and 4.00 Euros for concessions. However, on the first Tuesday of every month, visitors can enter the museum for free.
Every Wednesday at noon, visitors can enjoy a “Kunstpause am Mittag” at the museum, where a selected work from the current exhibition is presented in just 15 minutes. This is a great way to get a quick, informative glimpse into the current exhibition. The best part is that this event is completely free of charge, so everyone can participate regardless of their budget.
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Erfurt. This guide has lots of tips that will help you understand everything about Erfurt.
2. BAUHAUS MUSEUM – WEIMAR
Secondly, I would like to continue with the Bauhaus Museum. Because both Weimar city and the Bauhaus Museum are hosting a groundbreaking trend in terms of architecture.
The Bauhaus Museum in Weimar, Germany is a stunning testament to the enduring legacy of the Bauhaus school of art and design. Opened in 2019, – which is one of a newest Museum in Thuringia- the museum showcases the work of the movement’s key players and examines the ways in which the movement shaped the world of design and art as we know it today.
At the heart of the museum is its collection of more than 1,000 exhibits, including furniture, textiles, ceramics, and photographs. The museum’s sleek, modern design complements the minimalist aesthetic of the Bauhaus movement, with light-filled galleries and a striking black-and-white color scheme that highlights the works on display.
Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the Bauhaus movement through interactive exhibits that provide context and insight into the development of its key ideas and practices. They can also gain a deeper understanding of the lives and work of the movement’s most influential figures, including Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, and Mies van der Rohe.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, closed on Tuesday. The opening hours are from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. The admission fee for adults is 10.00 €. Discounted admission fee is 7.00 €. Students aged 16-20 can enter with a fee of 4.00 €. Visitors can purchase a combination ticket for 12.00 € – (With the combination ticket -Kombi-Ticket- you can also visit other Museums in Weimar such as Neues Museum in my list). Children and teenagers under the age of 16 can enter for free.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions and events that celebrate the continued relevance of the Bauhaus movement to contemporary art and design. From talks and workshops to performances and film screenings, the Bauhaus Museum in Weimar is a vibrant and essential destination for anyone interested in the history of modern design and its impact on our world.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the rich history and culture of Weimar, allow me to provide you with some invaluable insights. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive guide featuring the most helpful and informative tips on all things Weimar. Also you check the official “Klassik Stiftung Weimar” page.
3. ART FORUM – GOTHA
Actually people in Thuringia have love-hate relationship with Gotha in my opinion. But i would highly recommend for you to visit at least the Art Forum in Gotha. The KunstForum (german name of ART FORUM) is a modern art gallery located in the Old Town. It’s in a renovated building and showcases temporary exhibitions by local artists on a 400 square meter space. This gives the artists a chance to display their work to the public and interact with art enthusiasts. There’s also an accompanying program that adds to the experience of visiting the gallery.
The exhibition features a diverse range of works, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video installations. Many of the works on display challenge traditional notions of art and encourage viewers to think more deeply about the world around them.
In addition to the exhibition itself, Art Forum Gotha also hosts a series of talks and workshops that provide visitors with the opportunity to engage directly with the artists and to learn more about their creative processes. These events are a great way for attendees to deepen their understanding of contemporary art and to connect with others who share their passion for this dynamic and ever-evolving field.
The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and closed on Mondays.
Admission fees: 4.00 € for adults, 3.00 € for seniors. ( Students, and disabled persons, while children under 14 get in for free. )
4. CHAMBER THEATER, MUNICIPAL GALERIE – MEININGEN
Built in 1831-1833 as a school and marketplace for Jewish merchants, the building underwent a complete renovation and reconstruction in 2008. Nowadays, it accommodates Meiningen Theater’s smaller venue, the Municipal Galerie Ada, and the Bistro-Café “La Musica”. The Municipal Galerie Ada offers art exhibitions that display works ranging from classical modernism to the present day.
The Chamber Theater Municipal Galerie “Ada” in Meiningen, Germany is a place where people can see different types of art. They have many art shows each year that feature artists from Germany and other places. They show things like paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
The gallery also has other activities like talks, workshops, and movies. The space can be changed to fit different types of events. They work with the community to create programs that everyone can enjoy.
One of the best things about the Chamber Theater Municipal Galerie Ada is that it is open to everyone. It is a good place for people who want to see art, learn new things, and connect with others in their community. If you live in Meiningen or are visiting the area, the gallery is a great place to explore and experience the local culture.
5. THE CITY MUSEUM AND ART COLLECTION OF THE CITY OF JENA
One of the museum’s permanent exhibits is dedicated to the history of the city and the significance of the German national colors – black, red, and gold. Visitors can also learn about the Seven Wonders of Jena, which showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions.
Visitors to the museum can explore a wide range of exhibits, from ancient artifacts and sculptures to paintings and contemporary art installations. The museum’s permanent collection includes pieces by notable artists such as Ernst Hildebrand, Otto Dix, and Oskar Schlemmer.
In addition to its art collection, the museum also houses a variety of historical and cultural exhibits that provide insight into the city’s past. These exhibits showcase the city’s development, from its medieval roots to the present day, and highlight Jena’s importance as a center for science, technology, and culture.
The museum is open to the public six days a week, with free admission for children and students. Adults can enter with a fee of 4 euros, and discounted tickets are available for seniors and groups. It is highly worth to visit.
6. CITY MUSEUM IN THE FORMER FRANCISCAN MONASTERY – SAALFELD
If you’re a museum lover, the City Museum in the Former Franciscan Monastery in Saalfeld is definitely worth a visit. This unique cultural institution offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history and heritage.
The Saalfeld Franciscan Monastery, which was established by the Counts of Schwarzburg in 1250, is a historical landmark that has a long and rich history. The monastery was initially located on the western side of the medieval town, and the first recorded mention of it dates back to June 16, 1265.
Although the monastery existed until the Reformation, it lost its original function when it was dissolved in 1534. This resulted in a lack of uniform use for the entire complex, and different parts of the former monastery were put to new uses.
The museum is housed in a beautifully restored former Franciscan monastery, which dates back to the 14th century. The building itself is an impressive work of architecture, with stunning vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and a tranquil courtyard.
The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the city’s medieval origins to its modern-day developments. Visitors can explore the museum’s many rooms, each of which is dedicated to a different aspect of Saalfeld’s history.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of medieval artifacts, including weaponry, coins, and religious objects. Visitors can also learn about the city’s important role in the salt trade, as well as its contributions to the fields of science and technology.
For art lovers, the museum’s impressive collection of paintings and sculptures is a must-see. These works of art span several centuries and include pieces by notable artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder.
The monastery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with opening hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the monastery is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays, as well as on December 24 and 31.
Visitors can purchase tickets at the entrance, and prices vary depending on the category. Adultscan enter for €5.00, while children under 14 years of age can enter for €1.00. Pupils, students, and individuals with severe disabilities can enter for €3.00.
7. CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM – MÜHLHAUSEN
The primary edifice of the Mühlhaus Museums was constructed in 1868 and boasts a neo-Renaissance architectural style. Initially serving as a grammar school, the building now houses the museums’ main collection. The permanent exhibits on display showcase significant artifacts from the prehistoric and early eras of the Unstrut-Hainich area, as well as the history of the town of Mühlhausen and 20th century Thuringian art. Interactive exhibits and listening stations can also be found throughout the museum, providing younger visitors with an engaging and educational experience.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: Nov. – Feb. 10 am – 4 pm Mar. – Oct. 10 am – 5 pm
Admission Prices: The cost of admission to the museum is as follows: Adults: 5.00 € Reduced rate*: 4.00 € Children aged 4-14: 2.00 € (Children up to 3 years of age can enter for free.)
8. LISTZ MUSEUM – WEIMAR
During the summer seasons from 1869 to 1886, Franz Liszt took up residence in the previous court gardening department, which is located at the entrance to the Ilm Park. It was in this very location where he instructed his piano students from all over the world.
The upper floor of the historic building maintains its original features, while the contemporary permanent exhibition is situated on the ground floor. Nestled in the picturesque Ilm Park, this museum houses an extensive collection of Liszt’s personal belongings, including his instruments, sheet music, letters, and photographs.
You can view Liszt’s Bechstein grand piano, which he played in his final years, as well as his Broadwood piano, which he used during his tours of England in the mid-19th century.
You can enter Listz Museum for free. There is no admission cost. The museum is currently closed (February 2023) and will re-open on March 22, 2023, operating from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The regular operating hours are from Wednesday to Monday, with Tuesdays being a designated day off. During the summer months, the museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
9. LINDENAU MUSEUM – ALTENBURG
The Lindenau Museum’s global significance stems from its possession of 180 precious panels adorned with early Italian paintings. Other collections, including 16th to 19th-century paintings, antique plaster casts, and a graphic art collection, further augment the museum’s reputation. The museum’s inclusion in the federal government’s Blaubuch in 2001 establishes it as one of the most noteworthy cultural institutions in Eastern Germany.
You can explore the Lindenau Museum at Kunstgasse 1, from Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays, during the hours of 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
10. NEUES MUSEUM – WEIMAR
Neues Museum Weimar is a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts alike. Firstly, the museum houses a stunning collection of modern art, including works by famous artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant, dynamic world of modern art and experience some of the most iconic works of the 20th century.
Secondly, the museum also features an impressive collection of historical artifacts, including artifacts from the ancient world, medieval times, and the Renaissance. This diverse collection offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Weimar and the surrounding region.
In addition to its impressive collection, Neues Museum Weimar also boasts a beautiful, spacious exhibition space that makes for a pleasant and comfortable visit. The museum staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and are always on hand to answer any questions you might have.
Finally, the museum is located in the heart of Weimar, one of the most culturally rich cities in Germany. Visitors can explore the city’s historic streets, visit other museums and galleries, and enjoy its many cafes and restaurants.
Adults are charged 8.00 €, reduced rates for students and seniors are 6.00 €, while school children aged between 16 and 20 years are charged a fee of 3.00 €. There is also an option for a combined ticket with the Modern Art Museum, which costs 12.00 €. Children and teenagers below the age of 16 years can enter the museum free of charge.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, with Tuesdays being the only closed day. The opening hours are from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
I wish you have a great time visiting the top 10 art museums in Thuringia. If you’ve been to any of them before, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and do not hesitate to share this list with your friends.
You should definitely plan to visit these other exciting places in Thuringia:
Thanks for the great tips! I was looking for some inspiration on which museums to visit during my trip around Thuringia. I went to the Neues Museum in Weimar and it was a great experience. I wouldn’t have known about it if I hadn’t read this article. Keep up the good work!
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