Whether you are interested in the history of Levi Strauss, who became world-famous through his jeans of the same name, or in Franconian beer brewing: You will not be disappointed in Bamberg.
Highlights across seven hills
Enshrouded in history and Franconian charm, a wide choice of high-profile concerts, cabaret and variety performances are guaranteed to entertain you.
The town can justifiably take pride in the wide spectrum of cultural events it has to offer. Culture in Bamberg has many faces. From resounding orchestras to cool jazz and from classical theatre to puppet and shadow theatre. Covering a diversity of subjects, the museums will take you on a journey of discovery into the world of art, history, natural history, brewing and much more. A list of cultural events can be found in the calendar.
Bamberg's museums
Bamberg - the musical city
Music plays an important role in Bamberg - it is no surprise, therefore, that the world-famous Bamberg Symphony Orchestra is its pride and joy.
Theatre and stages
Bamberg is home to many stages - all of which are very different, and in their own way, special.
Bamberg – City of art
Art is an integral part of Bamberg's cultural scene. Apart from the many exhibitions in Bamberg's museums you will find historic art and contemporary art all over the place.
E.T.A. Hoffmann in Bamberg
In the year 1808 E.T.A. Hoffmann, the composer, painter and poet came to Bamberg and took over the role of musical director at the theatre.
Bamberg's puppet theatre
The Staub'sche House, a bourgeois town palace dating from the late 18th century, forms the backdrop of a very special gem: Bamberg's puppet theatre, founded by Klaus Loose. At the end of the 1950s, Klaus Loose discovered a travelling puppet theatre in Oldenburg which the owner was selling on ...
Bamberg Symphony Orchestra
The Bamberg Symphony Orchestra - which rose to the rank of a state orchestra in 2003 - is known for its virtuosity. It has been an institution in Bamberg's cultural life for more than 60 years and is "Bavaria's cultural diplomat" throughout the world. Founded by former members of the German ...
Brentano Theatre
Germany's officially smallest theatre invites you to a very special theatrical experience. A maximum of 32 guests fit inside the Brentano Theatre. The stage itself is no more than 2m² in area. But it is precisely this intimacy between the audience and actors that make a visit to this theatre so ...
Capella Antiqua Bambergensis in Wernsdorf Palace
The former prince-bishop's hunting palace in Wernsdorf forms the perfect backdrop for the concerts staged by Capella Antiqua At the gateway to Bamberg, Wernsdorf Palace is situated in the village of the same name on the edge of Franconian Switzerland. The former prince bishop's hunting palace ...
Children's Theatre Chapeau Claque
Bamberg's theatre for children stages all sorts of plays and events for children.
Club Kaulberg
nana theatre in the Kaulberg club Another great place for fringe theatre, cabaret, concerts and plays is the nana theatre in the Kaulberg club located on Kaulberg hill. Theatre director Arnd Rühlmann is the head of this company enacting plays in the wonderful atmosphere of an old vaulted ...
Diocesan Museum
Emperor Heinrich II and his consort Kunigunde embellished the diocese they founded with valuable liturgical items, relics, paraments and books. In the course of the centuries, these treasures were extended by donations, but were also decimated several times. Many works of art were lost to ...
Documentation centre on witches
In the 17th century Zeil was the place of execution during the terrible witch hunt era, when hundreds of people were burnt on the stake due to the unrestrained prosecution of alleged witches within the bishopric of Bamberg. The tower and the bond house can be visited and a museum illustrates ...
E.T.A. Hoffmann's House (closed for renovation)
E.T.A. Hoffmann lived in the narrow house on Schillerplatz in 1809/1813. He occupied the second floor and loft with the poet's little room which is still furnished as it might have been in Hoffmann's day. The other rooms are filled with information and displays as well as installations on the ...
ETA Hoffmann Theatre
Many awards are proof enough: The ETA Hoffmann Theatre stands out. The repertoire is always varied and sometimes daring, featuring everything from classical to modern, from readings to musical theatre. In 1802, a Prussian envoy and theatre lover had the buildings on Schillerplatz converted into ...
Fire Brigade's Museum
The oldest exhibit dates from 1740, a fire hose originally located at the New Residence. In the event of fire, it had to be filled with buckets of water and operated by four strong men. The most eye-catching part of the collection are the four bright-red fire engines which are equipped with ...
Former synagogue Reckendorf
The former synagogue now functions as a "House of Culture". In the women's gallery, the exhibition "Culture and Cult" was set up with reference to the former Jewish community. On display are exhibits that came from the local Genizah from the attic of the synagogue. These objects, collected over ...
