Guide to Museum Wiesbaden
Museum Wiesbaden is one of the three Hessian State Museums, uniquely combining extensive art collections with significant natural history exhibits under one roof.
Location and Address
- City: Wiesbaden, Germany (approx. 30-45 minutes from Frankfurt)
- Address: Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 2, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany
Collections and Highlights
The museum is split into two major departments:
1. Art Collection
- Fans are flocking to see a painting of Ophelia that inspired Taylor Swift’s music video for “The Fate of Ophelia”. The museum, located south of Frankfurt, has seen a surge in visitors since the video’s release. The Art Nouveau painting, by Friedrich Wilhelm Theodor Heyser, depicts the tragic Shakespearean figure and was created around 1900
Spanning over nine centuries, the art collection is organized into three main areas:
- Old Masters: Works from the 12th to the 19th centuries.
- Classical Modernism:
- Alexej von Jawlensky Collection: The museum holds the most important international collection of works by this Russian Expressionist painter, who lived in Wiesbaden for the last 20 years of his life.
- Art Nouveau (Jugendstil): The permanent exhibition of the F. W. Neess donation features over 500 objects, including furniture, glass, ceramics, and paintings, making it a major highlight for Art Nouveau enthusiasts.
- Contemporary Art: Features installations, sculptures, and paintings from the 20th century to the present day.
2. Natural History Collection
This collection offers a fascinating exploration of the natural world, often presented with an emphasis on the “Aesthetics of Nature.” It comprises over one million objects, including geological, mineral, and botanical exhibits, as well as an extensive collection of stuffed birds.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours (Typical):
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
- Note: Opening hours can vary for holidays and special exhibitions. Always check the official website before your visit.
- Admission (Typical Permanent Exhibition):
- Standard: Approx. €6
- Children and young people under 18: Free
- Special exhibitions often have a higher admission price, which usually includes access to the permanent collections.
- Free Admission: Check if the museum offers free entry on the first Saturday of the month.
- Services:
- Guided tours and educational programs are available.
- The Old Library can be booked for civil wedding ceremonies.
- Barrier-free access is provided.
Getting to Museum Wiesbaden from Frankfurt
Since the museum is in Wiesbaden, you will need to travel from Frankfurt. The journey is straightforward:
1. By Train (Recommended)
- Route: Take a direct train (e.g., S-Bahn lines S1, S8, S9, or Regional Express/RE trains) from Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) to Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).
- Duration: The train journey is typically 35–45 minutes.
- From Wiesbaden Hbf to the Museum: Museum Wiesbaden is about an 800-meter walk from Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (approx. 10 minutes). Alternatively, you can take a local bus to stops like Rheinstraße or Wilhelmstraße.
2. By Car
- Route: Take the A66 motorway towards Wiesbaden/Mainz.
- Duration: The drive usually takes 35–45 minutes, but allow extra time for potential traffic on the motorways in the Rhein-Main region.
- Parking: Parking is available at the nearby RMCC parking garage (RheinMain Congress Center).
Nearby Attractions in Wiesbaden
While in Wiesbaden, you might also consider visiting:
- Kurhaus and Kurpark: The grand neo-classical casino and concert hall, surrounded by a beautiful park.
- Wilhelmstraße: The city’s elegant boulevard, home to the museum and high-end shops.
- Neroberg: A local mountain with a funicular and scenic views over the city.
- Museum Reinhard Ernst: A newly opened museum focusing on abstract art, also located nearby on Wilhelmstraße.