Location and Accessibility

A Convenient Location

The museum is conveniently located in the city center of Regensburg, making it easy to reach by foot or public transportation. One reviewer mentioned a direct road to the center and a convenient location.

Accessibility

The museum is apparently accessible for wheelchair users. One reviewer mentioned that a lady in a wheelchair was allowed to work there. The museum also has clear signage and easy-to-follow white arrows on the floor to guide visitors.

Parking

Parking can be difficult, but there is a parking garage in the immediate vicinity of the museum. One reviewer noted that parking could be difficult, but you could take a break in the cafe in between.

Distance from the Train Station

The museum is located directly on the Danube and is reachable within 15 minutes on foot from the train station.

Architecture and Design

The Building

The museum has a modern building that some find controversial. People describe it as stylish and contemporary. Others find the building "ugly," "rugged," and "doesn't fit into the cityscape." It doesn't fit into the "beautiful medieval city" according to one review. However, the interior is described as "simply great" with a "stylish and modern" implementation of the theme. One review found the exterior pretty monumental but that it "doesn't really fit into the cityscape." The building itself "harmonizes and has adapted really remarkably." It is a "large, bright entrance hall," and its "monumental" size makes it stand out in Regensburg.

Exhibition Spaces

The exhibition is spread across two floors and is generally described as "well laid out" and "modern." The permanent exhibition is on the upper floor. There is an "interactive children's station" for variety, and there are toilets and a cloakroom in the museum.

Technical Aspects

There are interactive elements and multimedia features in the exhibition. There is a 360° film in the cinema on the ground floor that is free to view. The audio guide app isn't always available in every country, but some Android users can download the app from a non-German app store. Another review mentions that the museum has great use of new technology and that the history of the state of Bavaria is perfectly explained.

Exhibits and Content

The House of Bavarian History provides a comprehensive overview of Bavarian history from the Napoleonic era to the present day. Reviews highlight the museum's impressive and easy-to-understand presentation, with a clear structure that guides visitors through different time periods. Exhibits cover a diverse range of topics, from royal rulers and conflicts to democracy, industrialization, and technological advancements.

Interactive Elements

One of the most praised aspects of the museum is its interactive elements. Visitors can engage with exhibits by trying on costumes, sitting in old cars, packing suitcases, watching films, and even smelling King Ludwig II's perfume. There are also interactive surveys and games for children and adults alike, making the learning experience more fun and engaging.

Multimedia Presentations

The museum makes effective use of multimedia to enhance the visitor experience. A 360° film on the ground floor provides a visually stunning introduction to the history of Bavaria. The exhibition itself features multimedia displays, adding another dimension to the storytelling.

English Translations

Reviewers are especially impressed with the availability of English translations on the exhibits. This makes the museum accessible to a wider audience and allows non-German speakers to fully appreciate the rich history of Bavaria.

Multimedia Presentations

A 360-Degree Experience

One of the highlights of the museum is the 360-degree film shown in the entrance area, which provides an immersive journey through 2,000 years of local history. This film is a "super well done" and "very entertaining." There's also a separate, free 360-degree cinema on the ground floor, focusing on the history of Bavaria itself.

Interactive Displays

The museum features a variety of interactive displays, such as the ability to smell King Ludwig II's perfume, try out a vintage Gogomobil, and even participate in a survey. There are a lot of "interactive elements and kids' trails," making the museum "interesting for people of all ages."

Multi-Lingual Explanations

English translations are provided for all of the exhibits and displays. This is a big plus, as many visitors have struggled to find English information in other European museums. Some exhibits even have translations in Czech.

Language Options

English Translations

Many reviewers specifically mention and praise the museum’s English translations. One reviewer calls it “the absolute best museum I've visited in Germany - by far!” thanks to the English descriptions. Another states “Really nice museum collection with everything well written in English.” The English translations make the museum accessible to international visitors.

Other Languages

One reviewer notes that the museum includes texts in German and English, as well as Czech for the Baroque exhibition. They also mention “kids’ trails (in German).” The museum is designed with the German-speaking visitor in mind, but also strives to make its exhibits understandable to other visitors.

Criticisms and Suggestions

Building and Layout

Some reviewers found the building’s exterior “ugly” and “doesn't really fit into the cityscape.” Others found it “monumental” and “imposing.” One reviewer felt it did not “fit into the beautiful medieval city.” Despite the mixed opinions on the building’s architecture, the museum’s interior was widely praised as being “stylish and modern.”

While the use of white arrows on the floor was appreciated by many reviewers, some found the signage confusing and suggested improving the signals to indicate which direction to go in the museum.

Content

A number of reviewers found the content to be too focused on Bavaria’s history since 1806. They suggested including more information on the period before 1806 and also pointed out that the museum did not adequately address why many Bavarians emigrated in the 19th century.

Accessibility

One reviewer found the signage on some exhibits to be difficult to read due to the dim lighting, low mounting, small font, and lack of lighting.

Audio/Visual

Several reviewers noted that the audio/visual elements in the museum were not available in English. The guide app was also criticized for not being available in some countries. The film about the history of Bavaria was generally well-received, with many reviewers calling it “humorous” and “entertaining.” Some found the film to be “too short” or “unworthy of the actual exhibition.”

Other Criticisms

One reviewer found the museum to be “too Bavarian.” The museum’s restaurant was also criticized for having a somewhat limited menu.

Accessibility Issues

Wheelchair Access

Some reviewers found it encouraging to see a person in a wheelchair working at the museum.

Visual Impairment

One reviewer noted that the museum includes guidelines for people with visual impairments.

Signage

One reviewer mentioned that the signage on some exhibits was difficult to read due to dim lighting, low placement, and small font.

App Issues

One reviewer was frustrated that the guide app couldn't be downloaded in their country, and they had to pay for an audio guide instead. The reviewer also mentioned that the audio guide app was not up-to-date for the special Olympic exhibition.

Guide App Limitations

Issues Downloading the App

Some users have reported difficulties downloading the museum's guide app. One reviewer was unable to download the app and received a message that it was unavailable in their country. They opted to rent an audio guide instead, which was offered in Czech, in addition to German. Another reviewer also noted that the app was only available on the German Playstore and not accessible to foreign Android users. This limited some users' ability to utilize the guide app, despite its apparent availability for iPhone users.

App Not Up-to-Date

One reviewer commented that the audio guides, available through the app, were not completely up-to-date and did not integrate information from the special Olympic exhibition, highlighting a potential issue with the app's accuracy.

The History of Bavaria

The House of Bavarian History is an amazing museum to learn about the rich history of Bavaria. The museum also has English translations on the exhibits. It’s located in Regensburg, directly on the Danube and is accessible by foot from the train station.

Many visitors have been impressed with the museum’s modern, interactive exhibits and find it to be a great museum for families, with things for children to touch, try out, and even dress up in, like a king or a soldier. You can learn about Bavaria’s history from the Napoleonic relation with Bavaria to its democracy, industrial and technological era. The museum also provides information on Bavarian dialects, the history of beer, and even the scent of King Ludwig II.

The museum is apparently quite large, and people have spent up to six hours exploring it. If you go, be sure to plan enough time to see everything! The permanent exhibition is very exciting, but make sure you have enough time to explore the place because there is a lot to read.

While the museum has received praise for its exhibits and for being family-friendly, some have felt that the building is “ugly.” In addition, one person found that the signage was difficult to read, as it was mounted low, the font was small, and some exhibits were not well-lit. Be sure to watch the film about the history of Bavaria shown in the 360° cinema, as it is apparently very entertaining!

There is a restaurant in the museum where you can get Bavarian beer and food at good prices. It is worth visiting if you’re looking for an authentic Bavarian dining experience!

FAQ

What is the museum about?

The House of Bavarian History is a museum in Regensburg that focuses on the history of Bavaria, particularly the last two hundred years. It features exhibits on the rulers, royalty, conflicts, democracy, industrialization, and technological advancements of Bavaria.

What languages are the exhibits in?

The exhibits feature text in both German and English, making it accessible to a wider audience. For the Baroque exhibition, there are also texts in Czech.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, the museum offers many interactive elements and kids' trails that make it engaging for children. There are stations where children can dress up, play games, and explore exhibits. It's generally considered a good option for families with children.

What are the entry fees for the museum?

The standard entry fee for adults is €7. There are often discounts for seniors and students. Children under 18 years old typically do not have to pay an entrance fee.

What are some of the highlights of the museum?

Some highlights of the museum include a 360° film about the creation of Bavaria, interactive exhibits, a collection of old antiques and war relics, and an opportunity to learn about Bavarian dialects. Visitors also praise the well-curated collection of historical objects, artworks, and curios that provide a comprehensive view of Bavarian history.

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