Historic places in Bonn

Historic places in Bonn

1. See

   Akademisches Kunstmuseum

   Academic Museum of Art

   The Academic Museum of Art is at the other end of the Hofgarten park, directly opposite the main building. It is a beautiful building, constructed from 1823-1830 and designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Hermann Friedrich Waesemann, and hosts one of the largest collections of plaster casts of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures in the world. As of January 2022, the museum is closed for renovation, and the collection is housed in the north of the city (AVZIII, Römerstrasse 164).

   Tue-Sat 15:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-18:00·Entrance fee €3.00, free admission for students

2. See

   Arithmeum

   The Arithmeum features a collection of historical mechanical calculating machines, which today comprises more than 1200 pieces and is the largest in the world. It features the history of calculators, from ancient abacuses and ropes with knots, until the modern day PC. The design of the building and its colourful art collection are an added bonus.

   Tue - Sun 11:00-18:00·€3 / €2

3. See

   Haus der Geschichte

   House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany

   An interesting explanation of German history after 1945 that is constantly updated. A must if you are interested in history or politics. Exhibitions are presented in German only, but audio guides are available in English, guide booklets with English translations are available for a couple euros, and guided tours for school groups conducted in English are available free of charge when prebooked.

   Tue - Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat Sun and Christmas season 10:00-18:00, closed on December 24 and 31·Free admission

4. See

   Heimatmuseum Beuel

   Museum on local history. The museum was established in 1986 on the initiative of Beuel's Local Historical Society.

   Wed Sat Sun 15:00-17:00·Free, donations welcome

5. See

   Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

   It hosts changing exhibitions which range from visual art and cultural history up to science and technology. Most of them are world class and definitely worth a visit.

   Wed 10:00 – 19:00, Tue, Thu-Sun and holidays 10:00-19:00·depending on exhibitions, check online

6. Eat

   Nees Bar Café Restaurant

   Popular but pricy café and restaurant with delicious food, next to Poppelsdorfer Castle and Botanical gardens.

   Tue-Sat 12:00-22:00, Sun and public holidays 12:00-21:00·€20-30

7. See

   Poppelsdorfer Schloss and Botanical Gardens

   It was built as a resort in rococo style for the Archbishop of Cologne Clemens August from 1715 to 1753 by Robert de Cotte and today houses the university's mineral collection, several science departments and the botanical gardens. The palace itself is not open to the public. The botanical gardens next to the palace are a peaceful and beautiful place to relax, have a look at the sunbathing turtles at the pool. The gardens cultivate about 10,000 plant species. Coming from the city centre, walk there from the University Main Building via Kaiserplatz and Poppelsdorfer Allee.

   Apr-Oct 10:00-18:00 (from Apr to Sep until 20:00 on Thursdays), Nov-Mar 10:00-16:00, Sat+Sun closed. Greenhouses close 30 minutes earlier·Free on weekdays, 4€ Sa+Su+public holidays

8. See

   Universität Bonn

   University Main Building

   It is in the former residential palace of the Archbishop and Kurfürst of Cologne, built by Enrico Zuccalli from 1697-1705. It stretches from Kaiserplatz to the Rhine (Alter Zoll) and crosses two streets (Stockenstraße and Adenauerallee), the gates are called Stockentor and Koblenzer Tor. The building looks impressive and beautiful from the outside, but could use a renovation inside. Feel free to walk in. Best view on the palace is from the Hofgarten side. The Hofgarten is a park directly in front of the palace and a place for students to meet and relax in the summer between and after lectures. During Bonn's times as capital, it saw all the major anti-government demonstrations.

   Open now · closes 10 pm

9. See

   Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig

   Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig

   Natural history museum and zoological research institution, named after Alexander Koenig, who donated his collection of specimens to the institution. The museum was opened in 1934 and is affiliated with the Leibniz Association. On September 1, 1948, the Parlamentarischer Rat, the organ to create the German constitution, was opened here. The actual proceedings happened in the nearby Pädagogische Akademie, the later Bundeshaus.

   Tue Thu - Sun 10:00-18:00, Wed 10:00-21:00, closed most Mondays (except on legal holidays); Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve·Adult €6, senior or student €3

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Bonn (CC BY-SA 4.0).