Bavarian Vogtland Museum | Opening Hours & Events

Located in the heart of Hof's old town, in the historic hospital building at Sigmundsgraben, the Bavarian Vogtland Museum invites you on a journey through time and region. The museum combines the roles of a city and a regional museum, presenting objects related to the history of Hof and the Bavarian Vogtland in harmonious spaces, as well as an extensive natural history section. In the basement, a city model from the 16th century preserves the memory of medieval Hof, while the exhibition rooms bring craftsmanship, industry, and everyday culture to life. A focal point is the highly regarded section on refugees and displaced persons after 1945, which illustrates the dimensions of arrival, onward travel, and integration using Hof as a case study. Conveniently, the museum is accessible for people with disabilities, offers clear and reliable opening hours, and is just a few steps away from parking facilities. Those seeking cultural events will also find special formats here, such as theater evenings in the exhibition rooms. Thus, a visit quickly becomes an inspiring outing – whether spontaneously on a Sunday afternoon, as a learning destination with a school class, or as a goal for culture-interested guests from the region.

Opening Hours, Admission, and Free Sundays – Everything Important for Your Visit

Planning certainty is one of the convincing advantages of the museum: The Bavarian Vogtland Museum opens from Tuesday to Friday from 12 PM to 4 PM, as well as on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 1 PM to 6 PM; it is closed on Mondays. On certain public holidays such as Christmas Eve, the first day of Christmas, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Shrove Tuesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, and Whit Monday, the museum is closed; however, it is open on the second day of Christmas from 1 PM to 6 PM. The admission prices are deliberately low: Adults pay 5 euros, while reduced admission is 3 euros, for example, for students, trainees, social assistance recipients, and people with disabilities. Groups of ten or more adults also benefit from a price of 3 euros per person, and annual passes are available. Children and young people under 18 enjoy free admission, as do eligible groups such as holders of the volunteer card or members of the German Museum Association. A special service is the free museum Sunday: On the first Sunday of each month, admission is free thanks to support from a foundation, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy spontaneous cultural moments regularly. Guided tours can also be booked in advance, lasting about 60 to 90 minutes and can be led by either the museum team or external guides. Those needing a break can use free folding stools available at several locations. People with limited mobility can access all relevant areas with minimal barriers via ramps and elevators; a barrier-free restroom is designated. A tip for families: The clear time slots allow for a relaxed combination of museum and old town stroll. If visitors find they have extra time upon arrival, they can explore the surroundings, including the hospital church and small alleys, before diving back into the museum.

Upcoming Events and Special Formats – Theater Evenings at the Museum

The Bavarian Vogtland Museum is not only a place for collecting, preserving, and conveying knowledge but also a stage. In cooperation with the Hof Theater, individual productions are shown directly in the exhibition rooms – a format that creates closeness, atmosphere, and new perspectives. Notably, in 2025, the staging of Nick Hornby's monologue NippleJesus premiered at the museum. After previously scheduled dates in February, the premiere was moved to Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 7:30 PM and took place at the museum. This was followed by additional performances on June 21 and 28, as well as July 4, 2025. The premiere of the revival is scheduled for Friday, November 7, 2025 – again at the museum. These evenings combine the narration of a humorously serious art monologue with the authentic environment of a house that daily addresses questions of art, society, and history. Important to know: Tickets for the theater evenings are available through the box office of the Hof Theater and through common advance sales systems; the museum box office does not sell tickets for these events. If there are remaining tickets available, a box office opens directly at the museum on the event evening; additionally, the museum invites theater audiences to visit the exhibitions exclusively one hour before the performance begins. Besides the theater formats, the museum regularly features special exhibitions and thematic presentations. In 2025, this includes the exhibition Unheard – The History of Women. Flight, Displacement, Integration, which places the biographies of six contemporary witnesses from regions such as East Prussia, Pomerania, Upper Silesia, Moravia, and Bačka into a larger historical context. Such projects connect to the themes of flight and displacement that are strongly rooted in Hof and create bridges to the present. Those wishing to combine their visit with an event should check the calendar: Whether readings, guided tours, lectures, family action days, or collaborations with cultural partners – the program develops dynamically and makes the museum a continually new experience for return visitors.

History of the Building and Highlights of the Permanent Exhibition

The building complex housing the Bavarian Vogtland Museum is one of the most historically significant places in the city of Hof. The hospital building dates back to the 13th century and is located directly next to the hospital church. This historical connection is felt during the tour, as the architecture provides a fitting backdrop for the thematic range of the museum: from city and regional history to technology and textile history, as well as craftsmanship, trade, and residential culture. A particular highlight is the 16th-century city model in the cellar vault: It offers a glimpse into the former cityscape and vividly illustrates the medieval structure of Hof. In the exhibition rooms of bourgeois residential culture, visitors can experience how everyday life and lifestyle changed during the Biedermeier and Gründerzeit periods. The technical-industrial development of the region – such as the textile industry – is made tangible through machines, tools, and products. A second major focus lies on the section about refugees and displaced persons after 1945. Hof was a first point of contact for many people who came from the former German eastern territories and from regions in Eastern and Southeastern Europe in the post-war years. More than two million people were funneled through Hof or accommodated in facilities such as the large camp in the Moschendorf district by the early 1950s; around 15,000 remained permanently in the city and sustainably shaped its development with traditions, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. This section presents this history through life paths, objects, and documents, inviting reflection on themes of home, loss, new beginnings, and integration. These areas are complemented by the museum's large natural history collection: Specimens of European birds and mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, as well as minerals and fossils from the region vividly convey biodiversity. Particularly impressive are the dioramas of the forest and pond habitats, which provide an aesthetic and educational experience through atmospheric design and carefully curated specimens. For those wishing to discover art beyond the exhibitions, the municipal Johann-Christian-Reinhart-Cabinet is located right next door, showcasing works by the artist born in Hof and expanding the museum visit with a picturesque perspective.

Directions and Parking – How to Easily Reach the Museum

The location of the museum makes getting there uncomplicated. Hof is conveniently connected via the A9, A72, and A93 highways; depending on the direction, the exits Hof-West, Hof-Nord, or Hof-Ost are recommended, from which signage towards the center provides orientation. Those arriving by train travel to Hof main station and continue on foot, by city bus, or taxi. Particularly convenient: Directly at Sigmundsgraben, the museum's location, there are parking options in close proximity. Across from the museum, there is a designated parking lot on the street; additionally, the Sigmundsgraben parking lot (P11) is one of the designated parking spaces in the city center. For longer stays, the Altstadt-Passage parking garage, with numerous short- and long-term parking spaces and generous entrance height, is reachable within a few minutes' walk. Alternative parking options such as the underground garage at the town hall or other inner-city parking spaces can also be used depending on the time of day and need. For electric vehicles, a steadily growing network of public charging points is available in the city; special zones and regulations are clearly marked. Those visiting Hof by bike benefit from short distances and flat paths to the old town. The combination of a central location, clear signage, and diverse parking options makes planning your arrival easy – even if you want to visit additional destinations such as the hospital church, Michaeliskirche, Altstadt-Passage, or the gastronomy of Hof before or after your museum visit. Since the museum operates with fixed time slots, it is worth checking the time and parking ticket to ensure ample time from the first exhibit to the last diorama.

Management, Contact, and Service – Well Taken Care of from the First Inquiry to the Tour

Reliable contacts and a clearly structured service characterize the Bavarian Vogtland Museum. The museums of the city of Hof are managed by a dedicated team; the museum is led by Dr. Magdalena Bayreuther. For general inquiries, group registrations, or organizational concerns, the central phone number is available; the postal address is Sigmundsgraben 6, 95028 Hof. Visitors receive up-to-date information on site regarding special exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and guided tours. School classes and educational institutions benefit from tailored offers and conditions: Admission is free for groups from public educational institutions, and guided tours can be scheduled according to needs and tailored thematically. The stay is comfortably organized: barrier-free access via ramps and elevators, designated sanitary facilities, loan folding stools for short breaks, and clearly visible guidance in the departments. The free museum Sunday on the first Sunday of the month is also practical, allowing for regular cultural impulses without straining the wallet. Those wishing to prepare digitally can use the museum's online presence for insights into the collection and additional services such as an audio guide created by students from the Jean-Paul-Gymnasium Hof featuring their favorite pieces. For individual deepening, references to partner institutions in the city, such as the Reinhart Cabinet, are also suitable. Those planning events can connect with the museum team to find suitable formats – from thematic tours to family-guided tours. And those wanting to experience culture in the evening will find special theater evenings in a museum atmosphere in cooperation with the Hof Theater, for which ticket sales are explicitly handled through the theater. This creates a clear service path from the first inquiry through planning to the day of the visit.

Photos, Virtual Insights, and Reviews – Collecting and Sharing Impressions

Visitors often want to know in advance what to expect. The Bavarian Vogtland Museum supports this with digital offerings and a wide array of images. The official website of the city of Hof consolidates key information, photo motifs, department descriptions, and details about special exhibitions. Additionally, the museum offers a virtual insight through a digital presentation with 360-degree views of selected rooms and an audio guide project where young people present their personal highlights. Those wanting to get a sense of the atmosphere and objects will find both overview images and detailed shots there – from natural history dioramas to everyday objects from the Biedermeier and Gründerzeit periods, as well as exhibits related to textile and industrial history. Guest feedback is reflected in numerous reviews on common platforms: The broad content is repeatedly praised, making the museum feel like three museums in one, as well as the compelling presentation of the themes of flight and displacement. The dedicated staff, clear signage, and very good value for admission are also appreciated. The location in the old town, the proximity to the hospital church, and the uncomplicated parking options are positively highlighted. Those wishing to share their impressions can do so with their own photos of favorite objects, interior views of the historic rooms, or exterior shots of the striking building complex. For planning, it is worthwhile to check current announcements and the event program to avoid missing special exhibitions and collaborations such as theater evenings. This creates a comprehensive package of anticipation, orientation, and afterthought – from the first photo in the mind to the last glance in the display case.

Sources:

• City of Hof – Bavarian Vogtland Museum, Visitor Information
• City of Hof – Bavarian Vogtland Museum, Museum Overview
• Vogtland Tourism – Bavarian Vogtland Museum
• Museums in Bavaria – Bavarian Vogtland Museum
• Hof Theater – NippleJesus, Schedule and Information
• 100 Percent Hof – NippleJesus Premiere Rescheduled, Schedule Overview 2025
• City of Hof – Permanent Exhibition on Refugees and Displaced Persons in Hof
• House of the German East – Exhibition Unheard in Hof, May 16 – September 21, 2025
• City of Hof – Parking in Hof, Overview and Parking Lot P11 Sigmundsgraben
• Altstadt-Passage Parking Garage – Opening Hours and Parking Spaces
• Weltkunst – Refugees and Displaced Persons after 1945 in Hof, Event Profile