Stadtgeschichtliches Museum (City History Museum), Leipzig

The City History Museum (Stadtgeschichtliches Museum) in Leipzig offers an expansive look at the city’s past, from the Middle Ages to modern times. Founded in 1909, the museum is part of a broader association of museums, each focusing on distinct aspects of Leipzig’s history. Collectively, they provide a comprehensive narrative of the city’s origins, evolution, and cultural spirit.

The museum is housed in the Old Town Hall, a historical building that has withstood both the ravages of war and political exploitation during Germany’s tumultuous history. In 2004, the museum expanded with the addition of a new building at Böttchergässchen House, allowing for flexible special exhibitions and a more modern approach to its presentation and outreach.

The museum’s collections are vast, encompassing around 600,000 items that span city and state history, everyday culture, arts and crafts, graphic arts, music, theatre, numismatics, militaria, and archaeology. Notable components include a photographic library with 80,000 exhibits, a library with approximately 50,000 items, and a sports history collection featuring 85,000 items.

As a classical cultural history institution, the City History Museum emphasizes professional expertise, comprehensive collection documentation, and adherence to international museum standards. Its mission includes providing an inclusive and engaging portrayal of Leipzig’s history, with a focus on critical, multi-perspective approaches and participatory engagement with the city’s community. The City History Museum continues to serve as a vital link between Leipzig’s historical heritage and its contemporary identity.