Aschaffenburg's Schloss Johannisburg looks back on a defensive past. Where the impressive four-wing complex stands today, a castle already secured the banks of the Main in the 13th century. After it was destroyed in 1552 during the Margrave War, Prince-elector Johann Schweikard von Kronberg commissioned the construction of the current palace between 1605 and 1614. To this day, it is considered one of the most significant buildings of the German Renaissance.

Old and New Masterfully Combined

The architectural continuity is particularly fascinating: the old Gothic keep of the original castle was not demolished, but skillfully integrated as a fifth tower into the "modern" Renaissance palace. In the museum, three detailed models impressively illustrate this transformation from a medieval fortress to a representative electoral palace.

Six Centuries of Art History

The Municipal Palace Museum extends over an impressive area of 1,400 m². Here, artworks and historical testimonies from six centuries are presented. The collections range from princely representative art to the city and industrial history of the 19th century, as well as changing special exhibitions by regional artists and applied arts.

Unique: The Cork Model Collection

A worldwide rarity is the collection of architectural models made of cork, crafted by court confectioner Carl May and his son Georg between 1792 and 1853. It is the largest collection of its kind in the world. In 45 delicate models, visitors can take a breathtaking stroll through ancient Rome—from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, all masterfully carved from phellos (cork).

Living Museum & Zeitgeist

The Palace Museum is not merely a retrospective into the distant past. Through the integration of the city museum, contemporary projects and recent history also find their place. Exhibits such as a faithfully reconstructed youth room evoke personal memories for many visitors and bridge the gap to the present day.

Particularly noteworthy is the space for youth: contemporary art projects and fashion designs from Aschaffenburg schools show that the palace remains a vibrant place of inspiration for all generations.