Explore this museum that boasts a huge cultural collection, housed in the 13th century Abbey, the Convent of the Holy Cross. Founded in 1859, this cultural center is one of the most important places to document the history of the culture of the middle class in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It's one of the oldest museums in Northern Germany.
A vast collection
There are many interesting artifacts contained within the walls of this historic nunnery. Firstly, the ‘Abbeys in Rostock' exhibition presents the history of the four Middle Age abbeys in the city of Rostock. Next, discover exquisite religious art in the historic refectory, dating from 1480, including a collection of art from Rostock's abbeys in the Middle Ages and precious treasure from the Abbey of the Holy Cross itself. There's also an outstanding collection of Dutch art from the 16th and 19th centuries, from names such as Jan Breughel, Rembrandt and van Dyck. The museum also owns the last completely preserved collection from the ‘degenerate art' campaign carried out by the Nazis in 1937. This exhibition demonstrates the brutal outlawing of artwork and artists, which is one of the darkest periods of German history.
Local life and culture
See how Rostock changed as a city through pictures, documenting the changing image of the city from the early 19th century to the 20th. Children will delight in exploring the history of toys in the exhibition here in Rostock. Model railways, dolls and dollhouses, theatre, children's books, building sets and much more provide an insight into how upper class children played throughout history. There's also the chance to explore the rich collections of coins from Rostock and Mecklenburg, an extensive collection of craftworks such as jewellery and watches, as well as one of the largest archaeological collections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
A journey to their distinctive premises
In 1841 citizens of Rostock established the Rostock Art Society, who wanted to cater to public interest in art with exhibitions of fine arts. They eventually purchased premises in 1859 to display a permanent exhibition. The fortunes of the growing cultural collection waxed and waned throughout the years as it was disrupted by Nazi and Soviet Union interference. The reconstruction and conversion of the Convent of the Holy Cross began in 1976 and marked a new beginning for the museum that had been without a building of its own. After reunification, renovation of the west wing began in 1997 and, since 2011 the Rostock Cultural History Museum has found its modern exhibition location that all visitors to the city should take time to discover.
