Nibelungen Museum Worms

Worms, a city steeped in history and legend, is home to the Nibelungen Museum Worms (local name: Nibelungenmuseum Worms). This unique museum, opened in 2001, is dedicated to the Nibelungen saga, one of the most famous epic tales in German literature. Integrating a section of the historic city wall and two towers from the 12th century, the museum offers visitors a fascinating blend of medieval architecture and modern exhibition techniques.

The History of the Nibelungen Museum Worms

The idea of creating a museum in Worms to honor the city's significant role in the Nibelungen saga had been considered for many years. Worms and its surroundings are the setting for many scenes in the Nibelungenlied, making it a crucial location in the reception of this epic tale. In June 1996, after extensive deliberations, the city commissioned a competition to develop a museum concept that would highlight Worms' importance as the primary setting of the saga.

The chosen project, designed by the Paris-based agency Auber + Huge & associés (A+H), utilized the well-preserved section of the medieval fortifications between the Worms Cathedral and the Rhine promenade. Despite facing significant public debate and a temporary construction halt due to a successful citizen's initiative, the museum's construction began in November 1999. After nearly two years of construction, the Nibelungen Museum Worms officially opened its doors on August 18, 2001.

The Museum Concept

The Nibelungen Museum Worms offers a unique approach to presenting the Nibelungen saga. Given the mythical nature of the story and the scarcity of original artifacts, the museum focuses on a fantastic-fictional representation, contrasting with the ancient fortifications. Visitors are guided through the museum by audio recordings on portable devices, with the anonymous poet of the Nibelungenlied serving as the fictional narrator. In the German version, actor Mario Adorf provides the voice, while the English version features David Stanley and the French version Marc-Henri Boisse.

Thematic Rooms

The museum initially featured three thematic rooms: the Sight Tower, the Sound Tower, and the Treasure Room. Due to technical reasons, the underground Treasure Room was closed in 2007 and replaced by the Myth Laboratory in 2008. This space allows visitors to revisit the museum tour, especially those unable to participate in the audio tour of the towers. The Myth Laboratory, equipped with cross-media technology and a large screen, also serves as an educational space for groups and school classes.

The Sight Tower

In the Sight Tower, visitors explore the literary work's basic structure and historical context. The tower, housed in one of the medieval defense towers, features a 12-meter-high iron spindle around which a spiral staircase winds. This golden spindle, adorned with 1,200 illuminated images, symbolizes the Rütelin, a talisman from the Nibelung treasure. The images include paintings, engravings, propaganda posters, and opera productions inspired by the Nibelungen, illustrating the myth's evolution over the centuries.

The Sound Tower

The Sound Tower is designed as the storyteller's writing room. Here, visitors can listen to passages from the original Nibelungenlied in Middle High German, with simultaneous translations. The room also provides insights into the contemporary culture that influenced the author. Some of the images from the Sight Tower reappear here, offering a deeper understanding of the text passages.

The Myth Laboratory

The Myth Laboratory, located in an underground room, offers visitors a chance to reflect on their museum experience. The entire text of the narrator can be accessed, and the Rütelin from the Sight Tower is graphically represented and can be rotated and examined. The room also features an Internet search function, allowing school classes to conduct research for presentations. Additionally, numerous flash films and short documentaries on topics such as Worms, modern legends, classical myths, and the Nibelungenlied can be viewed. The Myth Laboratory is also used for temporary special presentations.

International Recognition

Before the museum's opening, the virtual treasure was presented at symposia in Paris and Boston, receiving international media attention in countries such as France, Canada, the United States, and Japan. The museum's opening was also positively received by numerous regional and national media outlets.

The Nibelungen Museum Worms is more than just a museum; it is a journey into the mythical world of the Nibelungenlied, offering a unique blend of history, legend, and modern technology. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a literature lover, or simply curious about the legends of the past, the Nibelungen Museum Worms promises a captivating and educational experience in the heart of Worms.