Dive into the “Anatomy of Happiness”

Human happiness is closely related to the body. How closely is revealed by the KÖRPERWELTEN permanent exhibition in Heidelberg. Here, the anatomist Gunther von Hagens developed the method of plastination at the University of Heidelberg, a groundbreaking technique for preserving bodies.

Today, KÖRPERWELTEN is one of the most popular exhibitions in the world. Curious people around the globe explore the mysteries of human existence. But it is not just the anatomy of the body that is central – rather, it is about raising awareness and understanding the significance of the body in relation to one's own happiness. The exhibited plastinates create a new awareness for a responsible approach to one's own body and a healthy lifestyle. What moves us? What drives us? And how does happiness actually work? All these questions and many more are answered in the “Anatomy of Happiness” and just as many are raised anew. The human body never ceases to amaze and inspire us.

Last admission: 5:00 PM

Welcome to the realm of knowledge in the Baroque era: Stepping onto creaking floorboards into the quiet grandeur of our historical library hall, one is immediately enveloped by the collective knowledge of the Early Modern period. Like stage sets in a Baroque theater, the original bookshelves jut into the space, housing around 50,000 books from all fields of knowledge. Behind unassuming book spines lie remarkable treasures, such as the first German Bible printed in America.

At the end of the 17th century, the orphanage's library was established as one of the first public libraries in Germany. Primarily through donations, book exchanges, and their own publications, the library grew so rapidly that within a few years, it was comparable to significant German university libraries. In 1728, it received its own building, which is considered the oldest surviving secular library structure in Germany. Not only in recent times has the library been visited by guests and researchers from around the world: Albrecht von Haller, Johann Joachim Winckelmann, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe all admired its bibliophilic treasures. We present a selection of them for you in rotating cabinet exhibitions in the former reading room of the library.

10 am - 5 pm

The Art and Natural History Chamber is considered the oldest German museum room. It was established by August Hermann Francke for educational purposes and is now once again set up according to the original museum concept of the 18th century in its historical location in the attic of the Historical Orphanage.

Eighteen richly decorated collection cabinets house approximately 3000 natural specimens, curiosities, and artifacts. They provide a unique impression of a Baroque cabinet of curiosities. Unlike modern museums, the chamber follows an encyclopedic collecting approach. A distinction is made between natural specimens and artifacts. The natural specimens are divided into rocks, plants, and animals, while the artifacts are categorized into visual arts, calligraphy, coins, everyday culture, and clothing. The goal was to create a mirror image of the world: a microcosm that made the macrocosm as the wonderful creation of God tangible.

In a series of events, art projects take place around the Art and Natural History Chamber. In the so-called "Contemporary Reflections on the Art and Natural History Chamber," foundations invite artists to engage in an artistic dialogue with the chamber.

Detailed information

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Palace-like, the orphanage rises on Franckeplatz. Then as now, it is the centerpiece of the Francke Foundations. Erected in 1698 as the first building of the school city, it represents a new facet of European Baroque, combining confident representation without extravagant ornamentation and setting the tone for orphanage architecture.

Today, the orphanage is our museum and cultural center. Right from the start, two permanent exhibitions guide you through the history of the foundation and the global impact of Pietism. On the first floor, the former prayer and singing hall surprises with its bright architecture. Today, it enjoys an excellent reputation as a concert hall due to its fantastic acoustics. In the adjacent conference rooms, a photo exhibition showcases the impressive renovation work since the foundations were reestablished in 1991. The second floor is reserved for our changing special exhibitions, which provide insight into important themes of the foundation's history from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Passing through the art and natural history collections in the attic, you reach the balcony via a narrow wooden staircase. Here, a wide view opens up over the impressive ensemble with school buildings from three centuries. There is also a splendid panorama of the Old Town of Halle from here. In the basement, children can explore their own paths in the Krokoseum.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What power does the word have? For Halleschen Pietismus, the word was of central importance. On the ground floor of the Historical Orphanage, we show you how August Hermann Francke's reform movement could spread around the world.

Francke developed central reformative goals of Martin Luther's with Halleschen Pietismus. His approach was as clear as it was revolutionary: Every person should find God through their own Bible reading. However, for this to happen, everyone - boys and girls alike - had to learn to read, everyone should be able to afford their own Bible and it should be printed in their own native language. Therefore, Francke established schools for all social classes, printed millions of German-language People's Bibles, and created an international network through which the Bible was translated into many other languages. His educational initiative allowed a broad population to engage with the word. In the 18th-century evangelical parsonages, the authors of the Romantic and Enlightenment periods were highly regarded. A culture of self-reflection spread in Pietism, which was reflected in diaries and personal testimonies, giving us remarkable insights into the spiritual life of people of that time. Symbolically, the power of the word is also evident in the meticulously restored pulpit from the Church of St. Ulrich in Halle, where Francke preached from 1715 and which you can admire in the exhibition.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

4 talers and 16 groschen are considered the founding capital of the Francke Foundations. How an unparalleled school city grew from this unexpected donation to a simple pastor in Glaucha can be discovered on the ground floor of the Historical Orphanage. A multimedia installation and numerous extraordinary objects will transport you into the fascinating founding and impact history of Francke's work. Because what began with a school for the poor and an orphanage, developed in a few decades into a true reform project that was based on education: Over 2,000 students learned in various schools, specially constructed economic buildings, a hospital, and a pharmacy guaranteed the care of over 3,000 people on the premises, unique cultural-historical collections in the library and chamber of wonders were established, and Francke's ideas were spread within and outside Europe. August Hermann Francke wanted nothing less than a "world change through personal change." Discover everything he set in motion through this.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

We all access the internet daily through web browsers. The question of how browsers determine what we experience online has fascinated artists early on. Based on a research project by the KIT Institute for Art and Architectural History on browser art, the exhibition »Choose Your Filter!« provides insights into 30 years of browser development. Here, you can discover and try out browser visions through interactive installations. 

Wed to Fri from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sat and Sun 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Golden Premium Card 2025

With the Golden Premium Card, the cardholder receives a 50% discount on almost all concerts of the Havelland Music Festival 2025 (children's events are excluded). Additionally, you can attend two concerts of the Italian Culture Festival in March for the price of one.

This year, you can expect exclusive, varied, and unique concert experiences again. We are celebrating 25 years of the Havelland Music Festival together with you. Planned are, among others, an Italian Culture Festival, a reading with actress Jutta Speidel at Ribbeck Castle, a concert with the Babelsberg Film Orchestra at Funkamt Nauen, a concert on Easter Sunday at the Petzow Church, a stroll concert in Reckahn, and the Märkisches Hofkonzert in Päwesin. For the first time, Schloss Görne (Havelland) will host events, and there will be Havelland Evening Music (concerts starting at 7 PM). Stay tuned. We are looking forward to a great season 2025 together with you.

With the Golden Premium Card, you receive your personal code, which allows you to order your concert tickets for the Havelland Music Festival by phone or online.

The discount applies per ticket. The Premium Card is non-transferable.

First, we will visit the brewhouse and then the bottling area in our production plant.

The highlight of the tour is a beer tasting side by side with one of our brewery guides.

Notes:

Our brewery tours are conducted exclusively in German.

Please note that participation is only possible with prior online reservation.

Please follow all additional hygiene and safety instructions given by our staff.

Wearing sturdy footwear is recommended.

During the tours, we will provide an insight into our ongoing production. Therefore, please understand that this may not be fully guaranteed in individual cases.

There is no production on weekends/public holidays.

The walking paths are not wheelchair accessible.

Due to hygiene and safety regulations, animals are not allowed in the production areas.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start.

First, we will visit the brewhouse and then the bottling area in our production plant.

The highlight of the tour is a beer tasting side by side with one of our brewery guides.

Notes:

Our brewery tours are conducted exclusively in German.

Please note that participation is only possible with prior online reservation.

Please follow all additional hygiene and safety instructions given by our staff.

Wearing sturdy footwear is recommended.

During the tours, we will provide an insight into our ongoing production. Therefore, please understand that this may not be fully guaranteed in individual cases.

There is no production on weekends/public holidays.

The walking paths are not wheelchair accessible.

Due to hygiene and safety regulations, animals are not allowed in the production areas.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start.

City tour with a twist: During your smartphone-guided scavenger hunt, you'll puzzle over a few riddles along the way. And after solving each question or task, you'll receive interesting information about the corresponding safari station.

By the way: During your tour, you should aim to hunt down as many safari points as possible. So, every shot counts! Um... we meant, of course: Every answer counts!

Your route will take you to various safari stations. Along the way, you'll discover not only historical sites but also sights and hotspots off the beaten tourist paths. The Safari team has made sure that you'll encounter a few surprises along the way!

Find out in a fun and amusing way new and astonishing things about your city. Here, you'll get exciting insights beyond the classic sightseeing tours and learn interesting facts about your Safari-City on the side.

By the way: The Safari is available 24/7, all year round and lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Meeting point: lower castle gate

With the Culture Summer Card, you will receive a €10 discount on one ticket per event. Exception: catering offers and children's events.

With the Culture Summer Card, €10 discount on event tickets in 2024.

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

The permanent exhibition on the life and work of Erich Maria Remarque offers a detailed look into the life, work, and thoughts of the famous writer through numerous photographs, documents, and manuscripts. The exhibition is bilingual, presented in German and English throughout.

Divided into seven sections covering his youth in Osnabrück (1898–1921), the years in Hanover and Berlin (1922–1928), the discussion around All Quiet on the Western Front (1928–1930), his exile in Europe (1931–1939) and the USA (1939–1948), his political works in the 1950s, and the 1960s leading up to his death on September 25, 1970 in Locarno, the exhibition attempts to highlight the ruptures, contradictions, and controversies in Remarque's life while emphasizing their productivity for his work. It illustrates Remarque's numerous psychological conflicts, aiming to resolve the apparent contradiction between the "bon vivant" and the "militant pacifist," and provides insight into his acquaintances, friendships, and marriages. Numerous originals such as the death mask or Remarque's original desk complement the presentation.

Another focus of the exhibition is the worldwide, often highly controversial reception of Remarque's works, which have been translated into at least 60 languages and continue to attract a global audience of millions.

An information terminal allows visitors to delve deeper into specific questions about Remarque's life and work. Another terminal provides access to over 2,000 photographs spanning all stages of Remarque's life, his residences, contacts, and the film adaptations of his works.

The exhibition is open for free visits on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. Guided tours for school classes and other interest groups can also be arranged outside regular opening hours. Tours can be scheduled with Mr. Martin Siemsen (siemsen.m@osnabrueck.de) by phone at 0541/323-2109 or fax at 0541/323-4355.

A shop on-site offers materials related to Remarque's life and work for sale.

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

*Wheelchair users and groups of 10 or more please contact our service center directly at (0711-227700).

The magazine Spiegel calls him a “great storyteller,” and the British Independent compares him to Kafka and Kleist – we are talking about bestseller author Ferdinand von Schirach.

In his new play, he deals with the dilemma that in cases of sexual violence, it is almost always a matter of one person's word against another's. In February 2024, a million viewers watched the television version of this courtroom drama.

Katharina Schlüter, a successful TV presenter, accuses her former lover, the entrepreneur Dr. Christian Tiede, of having raped her. There are no witnesses for this crime, and so the criminal trial revolves around the question of credibility. Both for the accused and the plaintiff, a lot is at stake: their future personal and professional lives, as well as their reputations, largely depend on whose version the court will confirm.

The play shows how complicated it is to reach a verdict in such cases and how closely it is linked to societal values and prevailing prejudices. “What should one think when, after exhausting all evidence, only remains: 'She says. He says.'?" says Ferdinand von Schirach.

After “Terror,” “Taboo,” and “God,” another work by the successful author is now on our schedule – with a first-class cast: including audience award winners Sabine Fürst and Ralf Stech as the former couple.

Performances from June 13 to July 18, 2025

With Sabine Christiane Dotzer, Selda Falke, Magdalena Flade, Sabine Fürst, Marius Hubel, Stefanie Klimkait, Maja Müller, Ralf Stech, among others.
Directed by Martin Schulze
Set and costumes by Ariane Scherpf
Video by Christopher Bühler
Dramaturgy by Susanne Schmitt

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

The castle with a lot to offer: "HerrschaftsZeiten! Erlebnis Cadolzburg" from June 24, 2017 at the Cadolzburg - the new highlight of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region

A powerful castle - the setting of the illustrious history of a ruling family that has achieved great success: this was and is the Cadolzburg. The rulers were the Hohenzollern family, who ruled over Franken and later Brandenburg, also gaining electoral dignity in the 15th century. Later on, they even became Prussian kings and German emperors.

The Cadolzburg derives its radiance not only from its role as the starting point of a significant career in the Holy Roman Empire - the impressive structure itself reflects this golden era of the Hohenzollerns. The new museum "HerrschaftsZeiten! Erlebnis Cadolzburg" of the Bavarian Administration of State Castles will make this time - the late Middle Ages - exciting and informative for visitors through innovative communication concepts. While walking through the castle, visitors can learn not only about the architectural history, wars and peace, daily life, and governing tasks of the princely castle residents. There is much to discover here through interactive and sensory means:

Visitors can experience the castle through their sense of smell, there are tactile stations, sounds and dialogues, vivid models, and invitations to try things out. Exciting or challenging games, medieval Hohenzollerns in their own words, and the jester Contz who guides visitors through the castle bring the Middle Ages to life. Visitors can also expect to see several original medieval artifacts such as swords, maces, or a magnificent treasure chest. Other objects were specially crafted for the museum based on extensive research in historical techniques, such as the gilded armor of the famous General Albrecht Achilles, or textiles dyed according to original recipes. The Bavarian Administration of State Castles also made significant contributions to experimental historical research, like creating a breastplate from boiled leather, in line with the ambition of creating one of Germany's most important castle museums.

The cultural communication of the Bavarian Administration of State Castles also offers a diverse program of accompanying events, making this exciting history even more intriguing - for the young nobleman as well as the castle enthusiast.

Not only the Middle Ages but also the Cadolzburg itself now comes back to life. After the extensive damage of World War II, original medieval rooms and successful architectural creations of the 21st century can now be experienced. The modern buildings completed in 2017 bridge the medieval era with our present time.

You can expect very special experiences here - it truly is THE CASTLE WITH A LOT TO OFFER.

 

 

Light-footed from head to toe

at this health offer, you will learn to follow your own movement impulse. This can help release held and blocked tension in the body and joints, allowing it to transform into a flowing dance.
Well-being spreads, creativity is encouraged. The introduction to your own dance is led through perception exercises and a movement meditation.

This can become a personal resource in everyday life, restoring and maintaining mental health and resilience in stressful times.

The course is led by dance and body therapist Caroline Benhöfer-Buhr.

Participation is possible for all age groups!

Meeting point: Tourist Information at the Kurhaus