Permanent Exhibition Urban History

The urban history exhibition showcases the political and economic path of Offenburg from the 1848 Revolution to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s.

With the beginning of the 1848 Revolution, the urban history exhibition also starts, taking the visitor through the times of upheaval and change in Offenburg and the region.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Offenburg is a small town with just under 2,400 inhabitants. 170 years later, there are already 33,000 citizens. During this period, the city experiences industrialization, two revolutions, three wars, two inflations, emigration and immigration, dictatorship, and democratic new beginnings.

Four main themes are focused on:

• History of democracy

• Migration

• Mobility

• Economic history

The exhibition showcases the political and economic path of Offenburg into modernity, from the 1848 Revolution to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s. It combines treasures from the collections with modern media and playful elements, such as an animation on emigration to North America, audio stations, and film sequences.



Photo: Karl Schlessmann

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

With the redesign of the archaeological department, the third part of the museum's re-conception is completed. The exhibition "Verdammt lang her!" shows the archaeology of the region from the Stone Age to the time of the Alamanni, taking into account the latest research aspects.

Around 100 new loans from the Archaeological Fund Archive of Baden-Württemberg enrich the exhibition and illustrate important individual themes. For example, the gravestone of a Suebian prince found in Bühl in 2011 is shown for the first time. The stone bears the only inscription discovered so far in Baden-Württemberg, providing information about early Roman administration. Important finds from Offenburg and the surrounding area - bronzes, ceramics, jewelry - document the excavation activities of recent decades. But research gaps are also addressed.

The new presentation focuses on archaeological work: How do archaeologists work, how do they determine the age of something, and since when have archaeological finds been of interest to museums?

Hands-On stations, vivid life depictions, and a media station address various aspects of the exhibition and invite visitors to participate and try out.

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

New Colonial History Permanent Exhibition

Exotic exhibits from the former German colonies in Africa, China, and the South Seas transport visitors back to the years from 1885 to 1914.

The history of the German colonies in Africa, China, and the South Seas is presented in detail and critically examined in the new permanent exhibition. The museum draws from its extensive ethnographic collection, founded by Museum creator Carl Frowin Mayer between 1894 and 1917.

How was the topic of "colonies" discussed in Offenburg, and what connections were there to the distant possessions? Who donated objects from the German "protectorates" to the museum, and how did that come about? What image of the colonies, and especially of the people in the colonies, was portrayed in the Offenburg museum? Collections from big game hunters, missionaries, development workers, and travelers from Offenburg and the surrounding area from 1918 to the present demonstrate that the consequences of colonialism are still visible today.

The Cron Collection with its big game taxidermy from Africa and Asia is also presented in a new colonial historical context. The famous "hornless rhinoceros" is back in its original location, pointing to current developments related to both colonial history and globalization. In addition to colonial historical issues, current problems such as big game hunting, economic dependencies, and racism are addressed. 

Artist Angelika Nain has created a very personal approach to the subject with her print series "Still... " (the originals are on display in a separate room). She portrays the dark side of our global economic system and shows the consequences of exporting waste and weapons to developing countries: destruction and flight.

Tue - Sun 10-17 o'clock

Permanent exhibition on urban history

The urban history exhibition illustrates the political and economic path of Offenburg from the Revolution of 1848 to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s.

At the beginning of the Revolution of 1848, the urban history exhibition starts and takes the visitor through the times of upheaval and change in Offenburg and the region.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Offenburg is a tranquil town with just under 2,400 inhabitants. 170 years later, there are already 33,000 citizens. During this period, the city experiences industrialization, two revolutions, three wars, two inflations, emigration and immigration, dictatorship, and a democratic new beginning.

Four main themes are focused on:

• History of democracy

• Migration

• Mobility

• Economic history

The exhibition illustrates the political and economic path of Offenburg into modernity, from the Revolution of 1848 to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s. It combines treasures from the archives with modern media and playful elements such as an animation on emigration to North America, audio stations, and film sequences.



Photo: Karl Schlessmann

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

The Jazzpassage 2025 in cooperation with the Jazzdor Festival Strasbourg.

LES ÉGARÉS (ML + FR) Ballaké Sissoko Kora | Vincent Segal Cello | Vincent Peirani Accordion | Emile Parisien Saxophone

Ballaké Sissoko on Kora, Vincent Segal on Cello, Vincent Peirani on Accordion, and Émile Parisien on Saxophone: This quartet, which coincidentally formed during a jam session on the sidelines of the Nuits de Fourvière, achieves a sound alchemy that transcends genres and boundaries. Les Égarés venture beyond jazz, blending traditional melodies from Mandinka and Transylvania with ancient blues and trance-like sounds in the style of Coltrane. Their music becomes an unforgettable experience through a powerful pursuit of harmony and impressive improvisations. These four creative personalities of French jazz create a poetic sound world where the ear is the most important instrument. Virtuosity is mainly displayed in the art of collective improvisation and mutual listening – a desire that leads to a unique four-part harmony.

No tickets available here

Approximately 1000 years of city history, told in an exciting way through five stations, await visitors to the new permanent exhibition on the city's history.

A media station sheds light on the unsolved history of the city's founding. Excavation finds from the Early Middle Ages remind us of the first traces of settlement by the people of Offenburg. How did Offenburg families live, work, and reside 600 years ago? The focal point of the exhibition is a historically staged library room where visitors can admire, uniquely in the world, the globe segment map created by the cartographer Martin Waldseemüller. It is considered the "birth certificate" of America. The importance of faith, church, and monasteries in the Imperial City of Offenburg is illustrated by noteworthy objects related to religious folk art. The impact of the wars of the 17th century on the city and its inhabitants is revealed through contemporary objects from the museum collection. The exhibition concludes with the reconstruction after the city fire and the end of the Imperial City epoch, signaled by an intriguing espionage story.

Opening Hours:
Tue - Sun 10am-5pm
Closed on Mondays

Permanent Exhibition Nature and Geology

The sensory, colorful, exciting, and informative family exhibition awakens interest in nature in our surroundings and is a space for exploration for visitors both big and small.

 

Nature

In the natural history section, questions like "Is the deer the female of the stag?", "Why do birds have beaks?", or "Do ducks get cold feet?" are answered vividly and in detail. The exhibition welcomes its visitors in the large, atmospheric attic with open landscape scenarios on the themes of forest, land, and river.

A huge maple tree in autumn colors seems to grow out of the wall and overlooks the detailed forest landscape. Here, you can find animals such as badgers, deer, the shy wildcat, and a variety of forest birds.

The meadow also offers numerous discoveries: the hawk peeks through the grass, you can find crawling creatures under the stone, and even the mole has found its spot.

The river landscape is populated by local fish, mussels, and crabs, with ducks and other birds comfortably settled along the shore.

A large number of hands-on stations, games, and experiments invite participation: for instance, you can listen to bird songs, feel fur, or examine snail shells under a magnifying glass. If you're curious about how stuffed animals are made, you can learn about it at the taxidermist's worktable. You can relax and browse through a colorful selection of children's books in the cozy moss bed while listening to various forest sounds or just unwind.

 

Geology

In the geological section at the very top under the museum's roof, questions like "Can rocks glow?", "Is a pencil made of lead?", or "Is there a silver treasure in the Black Forest?" are answered vividly and in detail here as well.

Is time travel even possible? Yes, with us! With the time machine, you can journey to different geological eras. You step in, choose an era, and zoom off, for example, to the Carboniferous period. Upon arrival, you learn about the landscape, climate, and flora and fauna of that time.

Next up is the reconstructed gallery: here you'll learn that coal, iron ore, and even silver were mined in numerous pits near Offenburg.

Finally, you enter the exhibition's treasure trove, the mineral cabinet. Here, you can admire beautiful minerals with melodious names like agate, limonite, or psilomelane, shimmering in all colors and occurring in bizarre forms. Some of these minerals even glow under blacklight.

The permanent exhibition Forest - Land - River encourages exploring interesting connections and asking new questions. Sensory, colorful, exciting, and informative, the presentation offers a suitable platform for youthful curiosity and creates a stimulating and child-friendly space that adults will also enjoy. The exhibition answers all questions vividly and with lively texts, many of which can be heard on the audioguide, available for free at the information desk.

The exhibition is bilingual in German and French.

 

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

Permanent Exhibition Urban History

The urban history exhibition showcases the political and economic path of Offenburg from the 1848 Revolution to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s.

With the beginning of the 1848 Revolution, the urban history exhibition also starts, taking the visitor through the times of upheaval and change in Offenburg and the region.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Offenburg is a small town with just under 2,400 inhabitants. 170 years later, there are already 33,000 citizens. During this period, the city experiences industrialization, two revolutions, three wars, two inflations, emigration and immigration, dictatorship, and democratic new beginnings.

Four main themes are focused on:

• History of democracy

• Migration

• Mobility

• Economic history

The exhibition showcases the political and economic path of Offenburg into modernity, from the 1848 Revolution to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s. It combines treasures from the collections with modern media and playful elements, such as an animation on emigration to North America, audio stations, and film sequences.



Photo: Karl Schlessmann

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

Permanent exhibition on urban history

The urban history exhibition illustrates the political and economic path of Offenburg from the Revolution of 1848 to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s.

At the beginning of the Revolution of 1848, the urban history exhibition starts and takes the visitor through the times of upheaval and change in Offenburg and the region.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Offenburg is a tranquil town with just under 2,400 inhabitants. 170 years later, there are already 33,000 citizens. During this period, the city experiences industrialization, two revolutions, three wars, two inflations, emigration and immigration, dictatorship, and a democratic new beginning.

Four main themes are focused on:

• History of democracy

• Migration

• Mobility

• Economic history

The exhibition illustrates the political and economic path of Offenburg into modernity, from the Revolution of 1848 to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s. It combines treasures from the archives with modern media and playful elements such as an animation on emigration to North America, audio stations, and film sequences.



Photo: Karl Schlessmann

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Approximately 1000 years of city history, told in an exciting way through five stations, await visitors to the new permanent exhibition on the city's history.

A media station sheds light on the unsolved history of the city's founding. Excavation finds from the Early Middle Ages remind us of the first traces of settlement by the people of Offenburg. How did Offenburg families live, work, and reside 600 years ago? The focal point of the exhibition is a historically staged library room where visitors can admire, uniquely in the world, the globe segment map created by the cartographer Martin Waldseemüller. It is considered the "birth certificate" of America. The importance of faith, church, and monasteries in the Imperial City of Offenburg is illustrated by noteworthy objects related to religious folk art. The impact of the wars of the 17th century on the city and its inhabitants is revealed through contemporary objects from the museum collection. The exhibition concludes with the reconstruction after the city fire and the end of the Imperial City epoch, signaled by an intriguing espionage story.

Opening Hours:
Tue - Sun 10am-5pm
Closed on Mondays

New Colonial History Permanent Exhibition

Exotic exhibits from the former German colonies in Africa, China, and the South Seas transport visitors back to the years from 1885 to 1914.

The history of the German colonies in Africa, China, and the South Seas is presented in detail and critically examined in the new permanent exhibition. The museum draws from its extensive ethnographic collection, founded by Museum creator Carl Frowin Mayer between 1894 and 1917.

How was the topic of "colonies" discussed in Offenburg, and what connections were there to the distant possessions? Who donated objects from the German "protectorates" to the museum, and how did that come about? What image of the colonies, and especially of the people in the colonies, was portrayed in the Offenburg museum? Collections from big game hunters, missionaries, development workers, and travelers from Offenburg and the surrounding area from 1918 to the present demonstrate that the consequences of colonialism are still visible today.

The Cron Collection with its big game taxidermy from Africa and Asia is also presented in a new colonial historical context. The famous "hornless rhinoceros" is back in its original location, pointing to current developments related to both colonial history and globalization. In addition to colonial historical issues, current problems such as big game hunting, economic dependencies, and racism are addressed. 

Artist Angelika Nain has created a very personal approach to the subject with her print series "Still... " (the originals are on display in a separate room). She portrays the dark side of our global economic system and shows the consequences of exporting waste and weapons to developing countries: destruction and flight.

Tue - Sun 10-17 o'clock

With the redesign of the archaeological department, the third part of the museum's re-conception is completed. The exhibition "Verdammt lang her!" shows the archaeology of the region from the Stone Age to the time of the Alamanni, taking into account the latest research aspects.

Around 100 new loans from the Archaeological Fund Archive of Baden-Württemberg enrich the exhibition and illustrate important individual themes. For example, the gravestone of a Suebian prince found in Bühl in 2011 is shown for the first time. The stone bears the only inscription discovered so far in Baden-Württemberg, providing information about early Roman administration. Important finds from Offenburg and the surrounding area - bronzes, ceramics, jewelry - document the excavation activities of recent decades. But research gaps are also addressed.

The new presentation focuses on archaeological work: How do archaeologists work, how do they determine the age of something, and since when have archaeological finds been of interest to museums?

Hands-On stations, vivid life depictions, and a media station address various aspects of the exhibition and invite visitors to participate and try out.

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

Permanent Exhibition Nature and Geology

The sensory, colorful, exciting, and informative family exhibition awakens interest in nature in our surroundings and is a space for exploration for visitors both big and small.

 

Nature

In the natural history section, questions like "Is the deer the female of the stag?", "Why do birds have beaks?", or "Do ducks get cold feet?" are answered vividly and in detail. The exhibition welcomes its visitors in the large, atmospheric attic with open landscape scenarios on the themes of forest, land, and river.

A huge maple tree in autumn colors seems to grow out of the wall and overlooks the detailed forest landscape. Here, you can find animals such as badgers, deer, the shy wildcat, and a variety of forest birds.

The meadow also offers numerous discoveries: the hawk peeks through the grass, you can find crawling creatures under the stone, and even the mole has found its spot.

The river landscape is populated by local fish, mussels, and crabs, with ducks and other birds comfortably settled along the shore.

A large number of hands-on stations, games, and experiments invite participation: for instance, you can listen to bird songs, feel fur, or examine snail shells under a magnifying glass. If you're curious about how stuffed animals are made, you can learn about it at the taxidermist's worktable. You can relax and browse through a colorful selection of children's books in the cozy moss bed while listening to various forest sounds or just unwind.

 

Geology

In the geological section at the very top under the museum's roof, questions like "Can rocks glow?", "Is a pencil made of lead?", or "Is there a silver treasure in the Black Forest?" are answered vividly and in detail here as well.

Is time travel even possible? Yes, with us! With the time machine, you can journey to different geological eras. You step in, choose an era, and zoom off, for example, to the Carboniferous period. Upon arrival, you learn about the landscape, climate, and flora and fauna of that time.

Next up is the reconstructed gallery: here you'll learn that coal, iron ore, and even silver were mined in numerous pits near Offenburg.

Finally, you enter the exhibition's treasure trove, the mineral cabinet. Here, you can admire beautiful minerals with melodious names like agate, limonite, or psilomelane, shimmering in all colors and occurring in bizarre forms. Some of these minerals even glow under blacklight.

The permanent exhibition Forest - Land - River encourages exploring interesting connections and asking new questions. Sensory, colorful, exciting, and informative, the presentation offers a suitable platform for youthful curiosity and creates a stimulating and child-friendly space that adults will also enjoy. The exhibition answers all questions vividly and with lively texts, many of which can be heard on the audioguide, available for free at the information desk.

The exhibition is bilingual in German and French.

 

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

Approximately 1000 years of city history, told in an exciting way through five stations, await visitors to the new permanent exhibition on the city's history.

A media station sheds light on the unsolved history of the city's founding. Excavation finds from the Early Middle Ages remind us of the first traces of settlement by the people of Offenburg. How did Offenburg families live, work, and reside 600 years ago? The focal point of the exhibition is a historically staged library room where visitors can admire, uniquely in the world, the globe segment map created by the cartographer Martin Waldseemüller. It is considered the "birth certificate" of America. The importance of faith, church, and monasteries in the Imperial City of Offenburg is illustrated by noteworthy objects related to religious folk art. The impact of the wars of the 17th century on the city and its inhabitants is revealed through contemporary objects from the museum collection. The exhibition concludes with the reconstruction after the city fire and the end of the Imperial City epoch, signaled by an intriguing espionage story.

Opening Hours:
Tue - Sun 10am-5pm
Closed on Mondays

With the redesign of the archaeological department, the third part of the museum's re-conception is completed. The exhibition "Verdammt lang her!" shows the archaeology of the region from the Stone Age to the time of the Alamanni, taking into account the latest research aspects.

Around 100 new loans from the Archaeological Fund Archive of Baden-Württemberg enrich the exhibition and illustrate important individual themes. For example, the gravestone of a Suebian prince found in Bühl in 2011 is shown for the first time. The stone bears the only inscription discovered so far in Baden-Württemberg, providing information about early Roman administration. Important finds from Offenburg and the surrounding area - bronzes, ceramics, jewelry - document the excavation activities of recent decades. But research gaps are also addressed.

The new presentation focuses on archaeological work: How do archaeologists work, how do they determine the age of something, and since when have archaeological finds been of interest to museums?

Hands-On stations, vivid life depictions, and a media station address various aspects of the exhibition and invite visitors to participate and try out.

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

New Colonial History Permanent Exhibition

Exotic exhibits from the former German colonies in Africa, China, and the South Seas transport visitors back to the years from 1885 to 1914.

The history of the German colonies in Africa, China, and the South Seas is presented in detail and critically examined in the new permanent exhibition. The museum draws from its extensive ethnographic collection, founded by Museum creator Carl Frowin Mayer between 1894 and 1917.

How was the topic of "colonies" discussed in Offenburg, and what connections were there to the distant possessions? Who donated objects from the German "protectorates" to the museum, and how did that come about? What image of the colonies, and especially of the people in the colonies, was portrayed in the Offenburg museum? Collections from big game hunters, missionaries, development workers, and travelers from Offenburg and the surrounding area from 1918 to the present demonstrate that the consequences of colonialism are still visible today.

The Cron Collection with its big game taxidermy from Africa and Asia is also presented in a new colonial historical context. The famous "hornless rhinoceros" is back in its original location, pointing to current developments related to both colonial history and globalization. In addition to colonial historical issues, current problems such as big game hunting, economic dependencies, and racism are addressed. 

Artist Angelika Nain has created a very personal approach to the subject with her print series "Still... " (the originals are on display in a separate room). She portrays the dark side of our global economic system and shows the consequences of exporting waste and weapons to developing countries: destruction and flight.

Tue - Sun 10-17 o'clock

Permanent Exhibition Urban History

The urban history exhibition showcases the political and economic path of Offenburg from the 1848 Revolution to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s.

With the beginning of the 1848 Revolution, the urban history exhibition also starts, taking the visitor through the times of upheaval and change in Offenburg and the region.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Offenburg is a small town with just under 2,400 inhabitants. 170 years later, there are already 33,000 citizens. During this period, the city experiences industrialization, two revolutions, three wars, two inflations, emigration and immigration, dictatorship, and democratic new beginnings.

Four main themes are focused on:

• History of democracy

• Migration

• Mobility

• Economic history

The exhibition showcases the political and economic path of Offenburg into modernity, from the 1848 Revolution to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s. It combines treasures from the collections with modern media and playful elements, such as an animation on emigration to North America, audio stations, and film sequences.



Photo: Karl Schlessmann

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

Permanent exhibition on urban history

The urban history exhibition illustrates the political and economic path of Offenburg from the Revolution of 1848 to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s.

At the beginning of the Revolution of 1848, the urban history exhibition starts and takes the visitor through the times of upheaval and change in Offenburg and the region.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Offenburg is a tranquil town with just under 2,400 inhabitants. 170 years later, there are already 33,000 citizens. During this period, the city experiences industrialization, two revolutions, three wars, two inflations, emigration and immigration, dictatorship, and a democratic new beginning.

Four main themes are focused on:

• History of democracy

• Migration

• Mobility

• Economic history

The exhibition illustrates the political and economic path of Offenburg into modernity, from the Revolution of 1848 to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s. It combines treasures from the archives with modern media and playful elements such as an animation on emigration to North America, audio stations, and film sequences.



Photo: Karl Schlessmann

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Permanent Exhibition Nature and Geology

The sensory, colorful, exciting, and informative family exhibition awakens interest in nature in our surroundings and is a space for exploration for visitors both big and small.

 

Nature

In the natural history section, questions like "Is the deer the female of the stag?", "Why do birds have beaks?", or "Do ducks get cold feet?" are answered vividly and in detail. The exhibition welcomes its visitors in the large, atmospheric attic with open landscape scenarios on the themes of forest, land, and river.

A huge maple tree in autumn colors seems to grow out of the wall and overlooks the detailed forest landscape. Here, you can find animals such as badgers, deer, the shy wildcat, and a variety of forest birds.

The meadow also offers numerous discoveries: the hawk peeks through the grass, you can find crawling creatures under the stone, and even the mole has found its spot.

The river landscape is populated by local fish, mussels, and crabs, with ducks and other birds comfortably settled along the shore.

A large number of hands-on stations, games, and experiments invite participation: for instance, you can listen to bird songs, feel fur, or examine snail shells under a magnifying glass. If you're curious about how stuffed animals are made, you can learn about it at the taxidermist's worktable. You can relax and browse through a colorful selection of children's books in the cozy moss bed while listening to various forest sounds or just unwind.

 

Geology

In the geological section at the very top under the museum's roof, questions like "Can rocks glow?", "Is a pencil made of lead?", or "Is there a silver treasure in the Black Forest?" are answered vividly and in detail here as well.

Is time travel even possible? Yes, with us! With the time machine, you can journey to different geological eras. You step in, choose an era, and zoom off, for example, to the Carboniferous period. Upon arrival, you learn about the landscape, climate, and flora and fauna of that time.

Next up is the reconstructed gallery: here you'll learn that coal, iron ore, and even silver were mined in numerous pits near Offenburg.

Finally, you enter the exhibition's treasure trove, the mineral cabinet. Here, you can admire beautiful minerals with melodious names like agate, limonite, or psilomelane, shimmering in all colors and occurring in bizarre forms. Some of these minerals even glow under blacklight.

The permanent exhibition Forest - Land - River encourages exploring interesting connections and asking new questions. Sensory, colorful, exciting, and informative, the presentation offers a suitable platform for youthful curiosity and creates a stimulating and child-friendly space that adults will also enjoy. The exhibition answers all questions vividly and with lively texts, many of which can be heard on the audioguide, available for free at the information desk.

The exhibition is bilingual in German and French.

 

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

Permanent Exhibition Urban History

The urban history exhibition showcases the political and economic path of Offenburg from the 1848 Revolution to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s.

With the beginning of the 1848 Revolution, the urban history exhibition also starts, taking the visitor through the times of upheaval and change in Offenburg and the region.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Offenburg is a small town with just under 2,400 inhabitants. 170 years later, there are already 33,000 citizens. During this period, the city experiences industrialization, two revolutions, three wars, two inflations, emigration and immigration, dictatorship, and democratic new beginnings.

Four main themes are focused on:

• History of democracy

• Migration

• Mobility

• Economic history

The exhibition showcases the political and economic path of Offenburg into modernity, from the 1848 Revolution to the economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s. It combines treasures from the collections with modern media and playful elements, such as an animation on emigration to North America, audio stations, and film sequences.



Photo: Karl Schlessmann

Closed on Mondays
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm