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 secularisation. Even so, the Diocesan Museum has been home to many valuable items from Bamberg's episcopal past since 1966.
The main attraction is the museum's internationally prominent collection of mediaeval textiles, including the so-called imperial cloak that belonged to Heinrich II and Kunigunde, the Gunther Cloth and Clemens II.'s papal regalia. Additional exhibits include liturgical items such as the 12th century Easter candlestick, a 12th century portable altar, goblets, ostensories, crucifixes and an 18th century silver procession madonna. Parts of Veit Stoß's altar, statues from the gothic era and baroque ostensories for the heads of Heinrich and Kunigunde are exhibited in the museum. On the ground floor, we find the remains of the baroque cathedral interior as well as testimonies to popular piety: from rosaries and votive images to procession staffs.
Please note:
Access to the museum is via the cathedral - due to renovation work until the end of 2025.
To enter and leave the museum, please only use the Adam portal. Inside the cathedral you can reach the museum after a few meters via the “new glass door” (intermediate door between cathedral and museum; barrier-free).
You can purchase your tickets at the new ticket booth in the cloister/east of the Diocesan Museum. Bags and backpacks can be stored in the cloister. The museum foyer is closed.
