From a 190,000-year-old hand axe to the world's oldest surviving wine, this museum in Speyer holds treasures that span the entire arc of human civilization in the Rhineland.

Step across the square from Speyer's towering cathedral and you'll find yourself at the doorway to nearly two millennia of regional history. The Historical Museum of the Palatinate welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year to explore one of Germany's most important collections.

With roughly one million artifacts housed within its walls, this institution tells the story of the Palatinate region through objects that range from prehistoric tools to imperial crowns. The museum blends a historic 1910 building with a modern glass annex, creating spaces where the past meets contemporary museum design across 8,000 square meters of permanent exhibitions.

A Museum Born from Collaboration

Founded in 1869, the museum emerged from a collaboration between the Historical Society of the Palatinate, the former Rhine District, and the City of Speyer. Their combined collections formed the core of what would become one of Germany's premier regional museums.

The current building opened in 1910, designed by architect Gabriel von Seidl in a style that complements the nearby cathedral. Eight decades later, in 1990, a modern annex added contemporary exhibition space. Today the museum operates as a trust supported by multiple institutions, including the State of Rhineland-Palatinate and various regional organizations, ensuring its continued role as a cultural cornerstone.

One Million Stories in One Place

The museum's collection of approximately one million artifacts focuses squarely on the Palatinate region's cultural heritage. The oldest piece, a hand axe dating back roughly 190,000 years, sets the stage for an unbroken chronological journey through time.

Among the standout pieces is the Golden Hat of Schifferstadt, a Bronze Age ceremonial object of astonishing craftsmanship. The Roman collections feature a centaur head from around 10 B.C., discovered in Homburg-Schwarzenacker. Perhaps most curious is the Speyer Wine Bottle from the 4th century, the oldest sealed wine vessel ever discovered. The Cathedral Treasure holds the imperial crown of Conrad II from 1039, connecting visitors directly to the powerful Salian Dynasty.

Where Children and Scholars Both Explore

The Historical Museum pioneered Germany's first Young Museum, a dedicated space where children engage with history through hands-on workshops and playful learning. This forward-thinking approach makes the museum accessible to visitors of all ages.

The museum has earned international recognition for its ambitious special exhibitions, hosting blockbuster shows on topics ranging from Vikings and Samurai to Egyptian masterworks from Turin. The Forum, a 650-square-meter covered courtyard, transforms into a versatile space for concerts, theater performances, and community discussions. Five permanent exhibitions cover distinct eras: Prehistory, Roman Era, Cathedral Treasure, Modern Era, and a Wine Museum that celebrates the region's viticultural heritage.

Historical Museum of the Palatinate Highlights & Tips

• The Golden Hat of Schifferstadt This Bronze Age ceremonial object is one of only four known golden hats in existence, featuring intricate patterns that may have served astronomical purposes.
• The World's Oldest Wine The Speyer Wine Bottle from the 4th century still contains liquid wine after 1,700 years, displayed in the Wine Museum alongside artifacts celebrating the region's winemaking tradition.
• Cathedral Treasure Collection View the imperial crown of Conrad II from 1039 and other precious objects from the Salian Dynasty, along with restored remnants of clothing from imperial graves.
• The Young Museum Germany's first children's museum offers interactive workshops and programs that make history tangible for younger visitors during school holidays and class visits.
• Combine with Cathedral Visit Located directly across the square from Speyer Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the museum makes for an easy half-day or full-day cultural itinerary in the city center.
• Check Special Exhibition Schedule The museum hosts major traveling exhibitions throughout the year on diverse historical topics. Visit the website to see what temporary shows coincide with your visit.
• Accessible Location The museum sits in Speyer's historic heart and is easily reached on foot or by public transportation from anywhere in the city.
• Plan for the Permanent Collections With 8,000 square meters of permanent exhibition space covering five distinct eras, allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore the collections thoroughly.

The Historical Museum of the Palatinate offers something increasingly rare in our fragmented world: a coherent narrative of place. From the moment early humans shaped stone tools in this region to the complex societies that followed, the museum traces how geography shapes culture and culture shapes history.

Whether you're drawn by the glimmer of Bronze Age gold, the mystery of ancient wine that refuses to evaporate, or the grandeur of imperial crowns, this museum rewards curiosity. It stands as both a guardian of the Palatinate's past and a bridge connecting that past to present-day visitors who walk through its doors seeking understanding.