All archaeology museums to visit in Thuringia

Uncover the secrets of the past at 17 archaeology museums in Thuringia. These museums feature artifacts and exhibits that reveal the history of ancient civilizations.

Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in Thuringia:

  1. Old Synagogue1

    Old Synagogue

     Erfurt
    The Old Synagogue in Erfurt, with its age of over 900 years, holds the distinction of being the oldest preserved synagogue in Europe. This former synagogue is a testament to the rich Jewish history of the region and offers a unique glimpse into the past. Its location in the heart of Erfurt's old town adds to its historical charm and significance.
  2. Lindenau-Museum2

    Lindenau-Museum

     Altenburg
    The Lindenau-Museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Italian paintings from the late Gothic and early Renaissance periods, dating from the 13th to the 15th centuries. This collection is one of the largest of its kind outside Italy, making the museum a significant destination for art enthusiasts and historians alike.
  3. Deutsches Spielzeugmuseum3

    Deutsches Spielzeugmuseum

     Sonneberg
    The Deutsches Spielzeugmuseum, located in Sonneberg, Thuringia, was established in 1901 by teacher Paul Kuntze. This museum, being the oldest toy museum in Germany, holds a significant place in the country's cultural and historical landscape.
  4. Herzogliches Museum4

    Herzogliches Museum

     Gotha
    The Herzogliches Museum Gotha is a 19th-century museum building located opposite Schloss Friedenstein. It is designed in the style of the Neo-Renaissance, offering a unique architectural experience for visitors. The museum's location and design make it a significant landmark in the area.
  5. Museum of Prehistory and Early History of Thuringia5

    Museum of Prehistory and Early History of Thuringia

     Weimar
    The Museum für Ur- und Frühgeschichte Thüringens in Weimar is a unique institution that combines a museum with a 1000 m² exhibition area and the Thuringian State Office for Monument Conservation and Archaeology. This combination allows visitors to explore a wide range of exhibits and learn about the archaeological and historical significance of the region.
  6. Stadtmuseum Saalfeld im ehemaligen Franziskanerkloster6

    Stadtmuseum Saalfeld im ehemaligen Franziskanerkloster

     Saalfeld/Saale
    The Stadtmuseum Saalfeld is housed in the former Saalfeld Franciscan monastery, encompassing the entire building complex. This means that the historical architecture of the former monastery, including its cloisters and Gothic roof truss, forms part of the exhibition. This unique setting provides visitors with a rich historical context for the exhibits on display.
  7. Lapidarium Willrode7

    Lapidarium Willrode

     Erfurt
    The Lapidarium Willrode is a unique collection of historical border and boundary stones. It is situated at the Forsthaus Willrode, which is located near the Thuringian state capital, Erfurt. This collection provides a fascinating insight into the history of the region, with each stone marking the outer boundaries of historical territories.
  8. Stadtmuseum Weimar8

    Stadtmuseum Weimar

     Weimar
    The Stadtmuseum Weimar, located at Karl Liebknecht-Straße 5, holds the distinction of being the first city museum in Thuringia. This museum is housed in a classicist residential and commercial building constructed between 1780 and 1803. The building is named after its builder, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, a prominent entrepreneur, writer, and publisher during Goethe's time in Weimar.
  9. Funkenburg Westgreußen9

    Funkenburg Westgreußen

     Westgreußen
    The Funkenburg Archaeological Open-Air Museum is a unique reconstruction of a Germanic fortified settlement. It is situated on a flat mountain spur on the outskirts of Westgreußen. This location offers a unique insight into the life and culture of the Germanic people who lived there between 200 BC and 50 AD.
  10. Kulturhistorisches Museum10

    Kulturhistorisches Museum

     Mühlhausen
    The Museum am Lindenbühl is a cultural history museum situated in Mühlhausen/Thüringen. It is housed in a Neo-Renaissance style building that was built between 1818 and 1871 as a gymnasium. Since 1947, it has been home to a regional history museum.
  11. GlockenStadtMuseum11

    GlockenStadtMuseum

     Apolda
    The Glockenmuseum and the Stadtmuseum are both located in a neoclassical factory owner's villa in Bahnhofstraße, Apolda. This historical building provides a unique setting for the museums, adding to the overall experience of the visitors.
  12. Steinsburgmuseum12

    Steinsburgmuseum

     Waldhaus
    The Steinsburgmuseum, located in the Waldhaus district of Römhild, is a museum dedicated to the prehistoric and early history of South Thuringia. It is a branch of the Museum for Prehistoric and Early History Thuringia. This museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of the region, providing a comprehensive overview of the prehistoric and early historical periods of South Thuringia.
  13. Thüringer Museum Stadtschloss13

    Thüringer Museum Stadtschloss

     Eisenach
    The Thuringian Museum Eisenach is a state museum dedicated to the art and cultural history of Thuringia, as well as the history of the city of Eisenach. It offers a comprehensive collection that provides insights into the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The museum is an integral part of the Thuringian Porcelain Road, a route that connects various locations known for their porcelain production.
  14. Museum Burg Ranis14

    Museum Burg Ranis

     Ranis
    Burg Ranis is a castle situated on a ridge near the Thuringian city of Ranis, a short distance from Pößneck. This location offers a unique vantage point and a scenic view of the surrounding area, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate historical architecture and natural beauty.
  15. Heimatmuseum Meuselwitz15

    Heimatmuseum Meuselwitz

     Meuselwitz
    The Heimatmuseum Meuselwitz, located in the town of Meuselwitz in Thuringia, was inaugurated on December 6, 1996. The museum is housed in two old half-timbered houses, which were formerly a weaving mill, at Neugasse 1 and 3. These buildings are situated near the Martinskirche, adding to the historical charm of the location.
  16. Opfermoor Vogtei16

    Opfermoor Vogtei

     Vogtei
    The Opfermoor of Niederdorla, also referred to as Opfermoor Oberdorla and Opfermoor Vogtei, is a significant prehistoric cult site. It is situated in a flat lake to the north of Niederdorla in the Thuringian Unstrut-Hainich district. This site offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing an opportunity to explore the cultural and religious practices of ancient civilizations.
  17. Museum Leuchtenburg17

    Museum Leuchtenburg

     Seitenroda
    Leuchtenburg is a castle situated in Seitenroda, Thuringia. This castle, known as the 'Queen of the Saale Valley', is a popular tourist destination. It offers a panoramic view of the Middle Saale Valley and the Thuringian Woodland from its location on a visible mountain cone with a height of 395 meters above sea level. The castle has a long and varied history, serving as a medieval administrative seat, a poorhouse, a madhouse, and a prison. It has been used for tourism since the late 19th century.