Museum Grossauheim, Hanau

Museum in Hanau

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Lumpeseggl

The Großauheim Museum is one of the top attractions in Hanau, offering a compelling mix of industrial heritage, artistic legacy, and hands-on discovery. Located in the former power station and art nouveau bathhouse, the museum presents an engaging collection that connects Hanau's past as an industrial hub with its vibrant artistic roots. This spot is one of the best places to see in Hanau if you enjoy discovering how local history shaped modern innovation.

Easily incorporated into a great place to visit on a walking tour of Hanau, the museum's two exhibition areas highlight both creativity and engineering. From powerful steam engines to delicate art pieces, the experience reveals a community shaped by craftsmanship, industry, and imagination.

History and Significance of Großauheim Museum
Things to See and Do in Großauheim Museum
How to Get to Großauheim Museum
Practical Tips on Visiting Großauheim Museum
Where to Stay close to Großauheim Museum
Is Großauheim Museum Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Großauheim Museum
Nearby Attractions to Großauheim Museum

History and Significance of Großauheim Museum

The museum opened in 1983 within two historic buildings: the former power station and the adjacent bathhouse built in 1908. These atmospheric spaces give the museum a strong architectural presence, bridging the past with the present. Following extensive renovations, the museum adopted a fresh concept to better showcase the region’s artistic and industrial heritage.

In August 2010, the art exhibition opened inside the beautifully restored art nouveau bathhouse, displaying works by August Gaul, a renowned sculptor from Großauheim, and August Peukert, a painter from Hanau. Their pieces highlight the cultural talent emerging from the region.

The industrial exhibition, redesigned in 2011 and housed in the old power station and fire brigade hall, delves into Hanau’s development as both an industrial centre and a research city. This dual focus makes the museum an important cultural landmark reflecting Hanau’s multifaceted past.

Things to See and Do in Großauheim Museum

A major highlight is the industrial history hall, where you can see historic machines manufactured by Josef Bautz, including scythes, a mobile threshing machine, and a steam-powered tractor with a rope winch from 1896. These large-scale objects vividly illustrate the mechanisation of agriculture and early industrial processes.

The museum also presents “Original Hanau” sunlamps, Dunlop racing tyres, tennis rackets, and other products from traditional Hanau companies, offering insights into local technological achievements. On select days, steam engine demonstrations reveal the impressive power and sound of historic machinery in motion.

In the art nouveau bathhouse, admire the elegant setting while exploring sculptures by August Gaul and paintings by August Peukert. The architecture itself is part of the experience, reflecting early 20th-century design influences.

A unique feature added in 2014 is Erwin Stache’s interactive sound sculpture. Using a historical control box with vintage switches and dials, visitors can adjust the speed, duration, mix, and direction of sounds created from the museum’s actual machines-a creative bridge between engineering and art.

How to Get to Großauheim Museum

Frankfurt Airport is the nearest major airport, offering convenient international connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hanau on Booking.com. Trains run regularly from Frankfurt and Hanau’s main station to Großauheim, with a short walk or bus ride bringing you to the museum. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Travelling by car is simple, with parking available near the museum grounds. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Großauheim Museum

Suggested tips: Check ahead for steam engine demonstration days-they are a highlight.
Best time to visit: Weekdays or early afternoons for quieter galleries.
Entrance fee:
Opening hours: Saturdays & Sundays: 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M
Official website: https://www.museen-hanau.de/
How long to spend: 1-2 hours, depending on interest in engines and art.
Accessibility: Many areas are accessible, though some older sections have uneven floors.
Facilities: Restrooms, seating areas, and limited on-site information panels.
Photography tip: Capture the contrast between the industrial hall’s machinery and the refined bathhouse architecture.
Guided tours: Check the museum website for special guided tours or demonstration days.
Nearby food options: Choices available in central Hanau and Großauheim, just a short walk away.

Where to Stay close to Großauheim Museum

Hanau offers a variety of accommodation options within easy reach of the museum. Best Western Premier Hotel Villa Stokkum provides comfort and style near the old town. Boutique Hotel Rosengarten offers cosy rooms and a welcoming feel. For a quieter retreat with excellent hospitality, Landhaus Hotel Waitz is a delightful nearby option.

Is Großauheim Museum Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Großauheim Museum is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy the intersection of art, industry, and interactive exhibits. Its beautifully restored spaces, historic machinery, and unique sound sculpture create a memorable experience for curious travellers and families alike.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (67)

Museum Großauheim at Pfortenwingert 4 in Hanau brings together three small but well-presented museums under one roof — art and sculpture, industrial history with an old power-generating system, and an exhibition on guest workers from the 1960s — with high-quality displays, friendly, helpful staff, family-friendly programming that delights children, and a modest entrance fee.

Bob Abroad

a year ago

"Is 3 (small) museums in one. An art and sculptor exhibit, an old power generating system and a display of “Gastarbeiter” feom the 60s. Entrance is avery reasonable 4€..."

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Andreas Weisbecker

7 years ago

"Ok"

Anja Hofma

2 months ago

"We visited the museum for Family Day and were more than pleasantly surprised. It was beautifully set up, with lots to discover for children of allages, and a truly family-friendly atmosphere. We'll definitely be back next year!..."

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FAQs for Visiting Großauheim Museum

They occur on select dates, so it’s best to check the schedule in advance.

Yes, many exhibits-especially the large machinery and sound sculpture-are engaging for younger visitors.

Yes, entry covers both the art nouveau bathhouse and the industrial halls.

Nearby Attractions to Großauheim Museum

Brothers Grimm National Monument: Celebrating the famed folktale collectors born in Hanau.
Wilhelmsbad: A picturesque 18th-century park with gardens, ruins, and a historic spa.
Philippsruhe Castle: A riverside Baroque palace with museum exhibitions.
Hanau Old Town: Charming streets, cafés, and market squares to explore.
Main River Promenade: Scenic walking and cycling paths found close to Hanau.

The Museum Grossauheim appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanau!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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