Location: Italian Building in the New Palace (Neues Schloss)
Tel. +49 0 921/ 65307
Open: Apr- Oct, 1st Sunday of every month
10am- 12pm
Sat 10am- 3pm
Entry:
€1.00/ €0.50 (reduced)
The Archäologisches Museum Bayreuth (Archaeological Museum
Bayreuth) is a specialized institution dedicated to the prehistoric
and early historical artifacts of Upper Franconia, Germany. It
stands as the only museum of its kind in the region, offering
visitors a comprehensive journey through the area's ancient past.
Housed in the historic Italian Building of the New Palace (Neues
Schloss) in central Bayreuth, the museum showcases local discoveries
that highlight the cultural and technological evolution of eastern
Upper Franconia, with a particular emphasis on Franconian
Switzerland and the Bayreuth vicinity. The collection spans from the
Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages, displayed across eight rooms,
making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts exploring
Bavaria's archaeological heritage.
The museum's origins trace back to 1827, when the Historical
Association for Upper Franconia (Historischer Verein für Oberfranken)
was founded in Bayreuth. This association laid the groundwork for the
collection through systematic excavations, donations, and loans over the
19th and 20th centuries. Early efforts focused on preserving regional
finds, and the collection grew significantly, becoming one of the
largest assemblages of prehistoric and early historical items in Upper
Franconia. Initially, the artifacts were not housed in a dedicated
space, but by the 1950s, the museum found a permanent home in the
Italian Building of the New Palace, a Rococo structure built between
1759 and 1762 under Margrave Friedrich. In 1993, the exhibition was
completely redesigned to improve accessibility, incorporating
informative text panels, display boards, and interactive elements to
engage visitors with archaeological methods and findings.
The
museum's development reflects broader trends in German archaeology,
where local historical societies played a key role in documenting
regional heritage. Its focus remains on artifacts unearthed through the
association's own digs, emphasizing the importance of local context over
imported or global collections.
The museum is located at Ludwigstraße 21, 95444 Bayreuth, within the
Italian Building—a wing of the New Palace designed in the late Baroque
style with Italian influences. The New Palace itself is a landmark of
Bayreuth, constructed after a fire destroyed the old residence in 1753.
The Italian Building features elegant architecture with ornate interiors
that complement the museum's exhibits, providing a historic ambiance
that enhances the display of ancient artifacts. The palace complex is
centrally situated in Bayreuth, near other cultural sites like the
Margravial Opera House (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Richard
Wagner Museum, making it part of a vibrant historical district.
The
eight exhibition rooms are arranged chronologically, starting with an
introduction to the association's history and basic archaeological
concepts. This setup allows for a logical flow, guiding visitors through
time while integrating the building's own 18th-century features, such as
vaulted ceilings and period decor, into the experience.
The museum's core collection comprises artifacts primarily from
eastern Upper Franconia, including tools, jewelry, pottery, and other
objects that illustrate daily life, craftsmanship, and cultural
practices across millennia. The exhibits are organized by historical
periods, with a strong emphasis on local relevance. Here's a breakdown:
Paleolithic and Mesolithic Periods: The earliest exhibits feature
rare finds from hunter-gatherer societies. A standout is a bone fragment
from the Hohlstein cave in the Klumpertal near Pottenstein, adorned with
a fine, net-like engraving—a testament to early artistic expression.
Neolithic Period: This section highlights the transition to settled
agriculture and tool-making. Key items include stone axes from sites
like Dressendorf and Bindlach, a jadeite axe from Haßlach, and a flint
dagger from Tröbersdorf. An interactive stairwell area allows visitors
to experiment with replicas, such as grinding grain or using a stone
drill, to understand Neolithic technology.
Bronze Age: Artifacts here
demonstrate advancements in metallurgy and trade. Notable are richly
decorated eyeglass spirals and leg jewelry discovered in Bayreuth/Saas
in 1825 (added to the collection in 1827). Spindle whorls and loom
weights illustrate textile production toward the end of this era.
Hallstatt and Early La Tène Periods: Reflecting Iron Age Celtic
influences, this area features over 80 clay vessels from burial mounds
near Mistelgau, Kasendorf, and Drosendorf. The introduction of the
potter's wheel by the Celts is showcased through technically advanced
vessels, highlighting cultural and technological shifts.
Celtic and
Later Periods (up to Middle Ages): The collection includes exquisite
bronze jewelry, such as "bird head brooches" (robe fasteners stylized as
water birds) and a pair of bronze rings with highly stylized animal
heads from Drosendorf near Hollfeld. These represent peaks in Celtic
craftsmanship. Later exhibits extend into Roman influences and medieval
times, with weapons, tools, and everyday items rounding out the
narrative.
The displays are enhanced with educational panels
explaining excavation techniques, dating methods, and regional
significance, making the museum accessible to both experts and casual
visitors.
Several items stand out for their rarity and craftsmanship:
Mesolithic bone fragment with net-like engraving from Hohlstein.
Neolithic jadeite axe from Haßlach and flint dagger from Tröbersdorf.
Bronze Age eyeglass spirals and leg jewelry from Bayreuth/Saas.
Hallstatt clay vessels from various burial mounds.
Celtic bird head
brooches and animal-head bronze rings from Drosendorf.
These
artifacts not only showcase artistic skill but also provide insights
into trade networks, burial practices, and societal structures in
ancient Franconia.
The museum operates on a seasonal schedule with limited hours,
reflecting its role as a specialized, association-run institution:
End of April to beginning of November: Saturdays: 10:00–15:00
1st
Sunday of the month: 10:00–12:00
November to April:Tours by
appointment only
Admission is affordable: €1.00 for adults and
€0.50 for reduced rates (e.g., students, seniors). The staff is noted
for being knowledgeable and welcoming, often providing additional
context during visits. No specific facilities like audio guides or cafes
are mentioned, but the museum's integration into the New Palace allows
access to nearby palace tours. For groups or off-season visits, contact
the Historical Association in advance. The museum has a modest visitor
rating based on limited reviews, praised for its focused, informative
exhibits.
Overall, the Archäologisches Museum Bayreuth offers a niche
yet profound exploration of local archaeology, ideal for those seeking
an authentic dive into Franconia's ancient roots amid a historic
setting.