Rothenburg ob der Tauber Museums and Art Galleries

(Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany)

Apart from the fact that the Altstadt (Old Town) itself stands as a living heritage museum to the long history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Bavaria, the town has a good number of interesting museums and galleries displaying exhibitions covering many aspects of town life over the ages.

An ancient local law here has happily prevented the modern development blighting many other historic areas and, as a result, Rothenburg's citizens are immensely proud of their unique town, its culture and its plentiful museums. Their pride includes Rothenburg ob der Tauber's strong musical, art and religious traditions, and the enduring memory of the town's importance in the Middle Ages as a free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire.

Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum)

Address: Burggasse 3, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 09861 5359
This law museum is regarded as the best of its kind in Germany, although it's not for the squeamish as it contains medieval instruments of torture, shame flutes, iron masks and collars, chastity belts and graphic details of man's inhumanity to man. It also features detailed records related to laws and the penal system in Germany for the last thousand years. All items are well labelled in English, ensuring that visitors are able to fully understand the exhibits. Its location in the 14th-century home of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem will please archaeology buffs.
Open hours: May to October, daily - 10:00 to 18:00; January, February and November, daily - 13:00 to 16:00; March and December, daily 11:00 to 17:00; April, daily 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for families, students seniors and groups

Imperial City Museum (Reichsstadmuseum)

Address: Klosterhof 5, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 09861 939 043
Set in the town's former Dominican convent, the informative Imperial City Museum displays collections of cultural and art objects spanning nine centuries, from antique furniture, art and sculptures, to archaeological items and an exhibition of medieval Jewish life. The convent's ancient kitchen is the oldest example in the country. A recent addition is the superb Baumann collection of arms and armour, while outside, the gardens are pleasant and peaceful.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 09:30 to 17:30; November to March, daily - 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for families, students seniors and groups

Doll and Toy Museum (Puppen-und Spielzeugmuseum)

Address: Hofbronnengasse 13, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 09861 7330
For a complete contrast with the above, the Doll and Toy Museum is a treat for both kids and collectors of French and German antique dolls and toys, with its diverse exhibits covering over 800 dolls, numerous dolls' houses, teddy bears, model railways, tin toys and much more. Many exhibits go back 200 years and the Puppen-und Spielzeugmuseum is set in two ancient buildings, one medieval and one baroque.
Open hours: March to December, daily - 09:30 to 18:00; January and February, daily - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, students, seniors and groups

Old Rothenburg Tradesman's House (Alt-Rothenburger Handwerkerhaus)

Address: Alte Stadtgraben 26, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 09861 5810
This 11-roomed timber-framed house, built in the late 1200s, was proclaimed a museum in 1976. Inhabited since its construction by diverse craftsmen and their families, the Old Rothenburg Tradesman's House gives a rare glimpse into Bavarian life across the centuries, both working and social.
Open hours: Easter weekend to October, Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00; December, daily 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, students and groups

German Christmas Museum (Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum)

Address: Hernngasse 1, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 09861 409 365
This nostalgic museum, opened in 2000, traces the history of Christmas celebrations from the 4th century to the mid-20th century, with over 5,000 exhibits, some familiar and others long-forgotten. The entire paraphernalia of Christmas is here, including displays showing how local Yuletide customs have evolved over the years.
Open hours: April to December, daily - 10:00 to 17:30; January to March, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, students, seniors and groups

Gallery John (Galerie John)

Address: Hernngasse 27, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 09861 934 791
This little contemporary art gallery was opened in memorial to the late artist Walter John, and holds regular exhibitions of his and other art works. Examples of its founder's work are permanently on display in this charming historic house, and temporary art exhibitions are also held here, often being of a contemporary nature.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday - 10:30 to 15:30
Admission: charge