On May 17, 2026, the Papenhof Museum and the Vineta Museum in Barth will open their doors together for International Museum Day. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., both museums invite visitors to discover the town's history, architecture and culture. Free guided tours round off the day.
On International Museum Day on May 17, 2026, Barth's two city history museums will be presenting themselves together and inviting visitors to a varied cultural experience from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Papenhof Museum at Papenstraße 10 is one of the oldest preserved non-sacral buildings in Western Pomerania. The late medieval brick building from around 1490, once the meeting house of the Kaland brotherhood and later the Renaissance residence of a ducal governor, tells the story of over 500 years of the town's history in an impressive way. Original building elements from different eras, the historical garden with its six explanatory panels and the current special exhibition on the Principality of Rügen make the house a living place of history.
The Vineta Museum at Lange Straße 16 is housed in an 18th century merchant's house on three floors and presents the history of Barth as well as changing special exhibitions. A particular highlight is the section on the myth of Vineta, where visitors can get to the bottom of the sunken place in a unique experience room. The offer is complemented by a section on the Barth painter Louis Douzette as well as exhibits on fishing, seafaring and the history of the royal seat.
The regular admission prices for both museums apply. In addition, one free guided tour is offered in each case: at 11 a.m. in the Papenhof Museum and at 1 p.m. in the Vineta Museum. The guided tours each last 60 to 90 minutes and are accessible without advance booking.
