Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock
Explore centuries of Rostock's history in a 13th-century monastery, featuring art, artifacts, and pivotal local events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of Rostock's history in a 13th-century monastery, featuring art, artifacts, and pivotal local events.
"Absolutely amazing free of charge museum that deep dives into historical moments starting from medieval times!"
📸 Photo Pass for Memories
While photography is free in practice, consider the €2 pass to support the museum and capture your favorite exhibits.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to explore the diverse collections and special exhibitions thoroughly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rostock 1945: Krieg und Neuanfang
Kloster zum Heiligen Kreuz
Experience Rostock's pivotal year through compelling exhibits, witness accounts, and student projects. A deep dive into destruction, chaos, and hope.

The Great Rostock Atlas
Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock
Marvel at the original 360-year-old Great Rostock Atlas, a testament to power and cartography. An exhibition celebrating its rich history.
Medieval Monastery Charm
Main building
Explore a 13th-century monastery housing centuries of history, from local crafts to international art. A journey through time.

Interactive Family Fun
Second floor
Discover engaging displays, including fascinating old toys, perfect for children and the young at heart. Interactive elements abound.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, But Photo Pass Recommended
Plan for 1.5 Hours & Check Exhibition Languages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Pass for Memories
While photography is free in practice, consider the €2 pass to support the museum and capture your favorite exhibits.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to explore the diverse collections and special exhibitions thoroughly.
🗣️ Check Exhibition Languages
Many exhibits have English translations, but the 1945 exhibition might be primarily in German.
🪑 Comfortable Seating Available
Benches are throughout, and foldable chairs can be borrowed at the entrance for a more relaxed visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Pass for Memories
While photography is free in practice, consider the €2 pass to support the museum and capture your favorite exhibits.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to explore the diverse collections and special exhibitions thoroughly.
🗣️ Check Exhibition Languages
Many exhibits have English translations, but the 1945 exhibition might be primarily in German.
🪑 Comfortable Seating Available
Benches are throughout, and foldable chairs can be borrowed at the entrance for a more relaxed visit.
👶 Kid-Friendly Exploration
The second floor, especially with old toys, is a hit with families. Interactive elements cater to all ages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock for its free admission and rich historical content, particularly the engaging 1945 exhibition and the impressive Great Rostock Atlas. The friendly staff and family-friendly atmosphere are also highlights. However, some guests noted a lack of English translations for certain key exhibits, which could be a drawback for international visitors.
"I was glad that the first part of the museum of Rostock history had English translations, but the most interesting exhibition for 1945 didn't had. I hope in the future will be added. Otherwise the museum is very nice and with free entrance."
coterzo
"Absolutely amazing free of charge museum that deep dives into historical moments starting from medieval times! Benches are available throughout all halles, foldable chairs are available for pickup at entrance.
Super friendly staff!
Pity that dedicated to 1945 expo isn't in English :("
Lyu T
"A lovely place. The texts explaining each exhibited piece are both in German and English, the workers are friendly and the items on display interesting. There are also interactive elements for children or anyone curious :) The entrance is free, taking photos costs 2€. There's a lot of things relating to the city's history but on the second floor you'll also get to see quite a few international paintings. Overall, it's a very cute and interesting museum and I would definitely recommend you visit it!"
Tereza E.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Rostock, making it easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive by tram or bus, with stops conveniently located nearby. If you're arriving by train, it's a short walk or a quick bus ride from the main station.
While direct parking at the museum might be limited, there are several public parking garages and street parking options in the vicinity of the Kloster zum Heiligen Kreuz. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and fees.
Absolutely! The Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock is situated in a walkable area. Strolling through Rostock's charming streets, perhaps past the Stadtbibliothek, is a pleasant way to reach the museum.
The museum generally strives to be accessible. While it's housed in a historic building, efforts have been made to accommodate visitors. It's always a good idea to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility details.
From Warnemünde, you can take a direct S-Bahn train to Rostock Hauptbahnhof (main station) and then transfer to a local tram or bus, or enjoy a pleasant walk to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock offers free admission, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
As admission is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special exhibitions or group visits, it's always wise to check the museum's official website for any specific recommendations.
While the general admission is free, keep an eye out for special exhibition pricing or potential discounts for students or seniors, though these are not always advertised.
Opening hours can vary, especially for special exhibitions. It's best to check the official Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times.
There's a suggested fee of €2 for photography, operating on an honesty system. You can contribute to the saving box at the end if you choose to take pictures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 1.5 hours is sufficient to explore the main collections and current exhibitions. However, you could easily spend longer if you're particularly interested in specific historical periods or art.
While not always explicitly advertised, inquire at the information desk about the possibility of guided tours or if any special events with guided components are scheduled.
The exhibition on 'Rostock 1945 – Zwölf Monate zwischen Krieg und Neuanfang' is a significant draw, as is the display of the 'Rostocker Große Atlas'. The historical artifacts from the medieval period are also highly regarded.
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly. The second floor features interactive elements and a collection of old toys that are particularly engaging for younger visitors.
Strollers are generally permitted, but it's advisable to check with the museum staff upon arrival. Large backpacks might need to be checked at the cloakroom to ensure the safety of the exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock does not typically have an on-site café or restaurant. However, there are numerous eateries and cafes in the surrounding area, offering a variety of dining options.
It's generally not permitted to consume personal food and drinks within the exhibition halls to protect the artifacts. However, there might be designated areas or nearby parks where you can enjoy a picnic.
The museum's central location means you're spoiled for choice. You'll find traditional German restaurants, cozy cafes, and international cuisine within a short walking distance.
Rostock has a growing number of restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. Exploring the streets around the museum will likely reveal several options to suit your dietary needs.
Yes, numerous cafes are located close to the museum, perfect for a quick coffee or a light snack before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but there's a suggested fee of €2. This operates on an honesty system, with a saving box available for contributions.
Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts from damage. Always check for specific signage or ask museum staff if you're unsure about any restrictions.
The historical architecture of the monastery itself, the detailed displays of the Great Rostock Atlas, and the engaging exhibits on Rostock's history offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Photography policies for special exhibitions can sometimes differ. It's best to confirm at the entrance or with museum staff whether photography is permitted for the specific exhibition you are visiting.
For professional or commercial photography, you will likely need to contact the museum administration in advance to arrange for a permit and discuss any associated fees or guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📚 History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Rostock's Past: Key Exhibitions
Beyond these major draws, the museum's permanent collections are equally fascinating. Housed within a 13th-century monastery, the building itself is a piece of history. Visitors can explore a wide array of artifacts, including paintings, crafts, and furnishings, that chronicle Rostock's journey from medieval times to more recent eras. The museum also showcases international paintings, broadening its cultural scope beyond local history. The inclusion of interactive elements and a dedicated space with old toys on the second floor makes it an engaging experience for all ages, particularly families.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
While the museum is praised for its content and accessibility, a recurring point in reviews is the language barrier for certain exhibitions. Specifically, the highly anticipated 1945 exhibition is noted to be primarily in German, with limited English translations. This is something potential visitors, especially international travelers, should be aware of. The museum operates on an honesty system for photography fees, suggesting a €2 charge that visitors can pay into a saving box, fostering a sense of trust and community. This approach, combined with the free entry, contributes to the museum's welcoming atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit