Gäubodenmuseum Straubing

Located in the heart of Straubing, Bavaria, the Gäubodenmuseum Straubing is a treasure trove of history and culture that offers an immersive journey through time. Known locally as the Gäubodenmuseum, this institution is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of Straubing and the surrounding Gäuboden region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Gäubodenmuseum Straubing promises a fascinating experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this enchanting part of Germany.

The History of the Gäubodenmuseum Straubing

The origins of the Gäubodenmuseum Straubing can be traced back to 1845 when the city began collecting and displaying obsolete items from the municipal armory in the so-called Powder Tower. This modest beginning marked the inception of what would eventually become a comprehensive museum. In 1880, thanks to the efforts of officer and local historian Eduard Wimmer, the collection found a new home in the Straubing City Tower. The establishment of the Historical Association for Straubing and Surroundings in 1898 further bolstered the museum's collection. By 1908, the growing collection necessitated a move to Fraunhoferstraße 9. The museum was officially renamed the Gäubodenmuseum in 1938, and in 1976, it expanded further by acquiring the adjacent building at Fraunhoferstraße 11. Today, the Gäubodenmuseum boasts an impressive exhibition space of approximately 2,500 square meters.

Prehistory Department

Opened in 1985 and expanded in 2013, the Prehistory Department of the Gäubodenmuseum Straubing offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient past. Spread across nine rooms, this section of the museum presents a chronological display of significant finds from the early Neolithic farmers to the end of the Celtic era in the Gäuboden region. Visitors can explore exhibits on Neolithic cultures, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age, featuring key archaeological periods such as the Urnfield culture, the Hallstatt period, and the La Tène period. The meticulously curated artifacts provide an in-depth look at the lives and cultures of the region's earliest inhabitants.

The Straubing Roman Treasure

One of the crowning jewels of the Gäubodenmuseum Straubing is the Straubing Roman Treasure, considered one of the most significant Roman finds in Germany. Discovered in 1950 during construction work, this hoard includes a copper kettle containing several Roman parade armors, complete with impressive bronze face helmets and masks, as well as other metallic objects. The treasure is believed to have been buried in the 3rd century to protect it from marauding Alemanni. This remarkable collection offers a rare and invaluable insight into Roman military and ceremonial practices.

Roman Department

The Roman Department of the Gäubodenmuseum Straubing is one of the largest of its kind in Bavaria. It tells the story of Sorviodurum (modern-day Straubing), highlighting its military installations, the Roman Danube harbor, and the associated civilian settlement. From the late 1st century AD to the Marcomannic Wars in the 70s of the 2nd century, Straubing was home to a garrison of 1,500 soldiers. Subsequently, the 1,000-strong partially mounted cohort of Cananefates with Syrian archers became the main unit stationed here. The department features military and civilian artifacts, a 3D reconstruction of Roman Straubing in the mid-2nd century, a large wall painting, and mid-imperial grave complexes. After the destruction of these structures in the latter half of the 3rd century, the military camp was relocated westward. Artifacts from the grave fields associated with the late antique fort on the current St. Peter's Church hill are also on display.

Baiern Found!

Since September 2018, the Gäubodenmuseum Straubing has featured a new interactive department titled Baiern Found! This section delves into the early Bavarian history through the lens of burial grounds from the Straubing area. Approximately 1,500 grave inventories from the 5th to the 8th centuries form the basis of this exhibit. Visitors can learn about the transition from late Roman times, through the era of Ostrogothic and Frankish rule, to the relationships between the Bavarians and the Lombards in Friuli. The exhibit includes a film that contextualizes historical sources and the grave finds themselves. Additionally, it covers the history of Straubing's old town from the 5th to the 12th century.

In conclusion, the Gäubodenmuseum Straubing is not just a museum; it is a gateway to the past, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich and diverse history of Straubing and the Gäuboden region. From prehistoric artifacts to Roman treasures and early Bavarian history, the museum's extensive collections and engaging exhibits make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and heritage of this fascinating part of Germany. So, when you find yourself in Straubing, be sure to step into the Gäubodenmuseum and embark on a journey through time.