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Museums #15 in Freiburg im Breisgau

Augustiner Museum

4.5 · 907 reviews
A serene and contemplative space where history meets modern design.
Augustiner Museum, Augustinerpl., 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
Interesting facts
1

The museum contains original stone figures from the Freiburg Minster, replaced on the cathedral exterior by replicas to preserve the originals from weathering.

2

The modern expansion was designed by architect Christoph Mäckler, featuring a distinctively angular copper-clad roof.

3

The collection includes the 'Münsteraltar' by Hans Baldung Grien, a masterpiece of German Renaissance painting.

4

The building complex includes a preserved cloister area that dates back to the late medieval period.

5

The museum functions as a center for the study of Upper Rhine art and local cultural heritage.

Overview

The Augustiner Museum is housed in a former 13th-century Augustinian monastery church located in the heart of Freiburg's historic old town. It serves as the primary municipal museum, showcasing art from the Upper Rhine region ranging from the Middle Ages to the Baroque era. The architectural restoration, completed in 2010, features a modern roof structure and glass bridges that connect the historic nave with contemporary exhibition spaces. Notable collections include original stone sculptures salvaged from the Freiburg Minster. The museum holds a significant collection of stained glass, including pieces dating back to the 14th century. The treasury houses liturgical gold and silver objects, reflecting the religious history of the city. Visitors explore the evolution of regional art through integrated displays of panel paintings, tapestries, and woodcarvings. The integration of modern design within the medieval shell creates a distinctive contrast between the structural history and the art on display.

Photo spot

From the modern glass bridge inside, looking down into the expansive main nave.

Insider tips

Use the central glass staircase to view the contrast between the historic church nave and the modern annex.

Check the temporary exhibition calendar, as the museum frequently rotates its smaller specialized collections.

Take advantage of the museum's audio guides which provide deep historical context on the Minster sculptures.

What to avoid

Do not rush through the lower-level treasury area, as it contains some of the most fragile and historically significant metalwork.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, to avoid crowds and fully experience the acoustics of the nave.
Address
Augustiner Museum, Augustinerpl., 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
47.994, 7.852
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsOriginal Freiburg Minster stone sculptures, Hans Baldung Grien's Münsteraltar, and 14th-century stained glass.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, to avoid crowds and fully experience the acoustics of the nave..

From the modern glass bridge inside, looking down into the expansive main nave.

Close by you'll find Freiburg Cathedral, Bertoldsbrunnen, Stadtgarten Freiburg.