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Marchivum

MARCHIVUM Mannheim: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Site Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: What Is MARCHIVUM Mannheim?

MARCHIVUM, Mannheim’s “House of City History and Remembrance,” is one of Germany’s most innovative urban history centers. Housed in a strikingly transformed World War II high-rise bunker, it serves as both the city’s central archive and a vibrant museum, offering visitors a multi-layered journey through over 400 years of Mannheim’s history. MARCHIVUM is renowned for its dynamic exhibitions, extensive archival collections, and rich educational programming, making it a must-visit for history buffs, families, researchers, and travelers alike.

Strategically located at Archivplatz 1 in the city center, MARCHIVUM is easily accessible by public transport and is close to attractions such as the Baroque Mannheim Palace and Kunsthalle Mannheim. The institution prioritizes accessibility, with barrier-free access and multilingual resources, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. Admission to permanent exhibitions is generally free, while some special programs may require tickets.

To plan your visit, consult the official MARCHIVUM website for up-to-date information on hours, ticketing, and events. (mannheim.de)

Historical Background of MARCHIVUM
Practical Information: Hours, Tickets, Location
Exhibitions and Features
Research and Collections
Visitor Tips and Highlights
MARCHIVUM’s Role in Mannheim’s Urban Identity
Plan Your Visit: FAQs
References & Further Resources

Historical Background of MARCHIVUM

Founded in 1907 as the Mannheim City Archive, MARCHIVUM’s mission has always been the collection, preservation, and accessibility of the city’s historical records. Its transformation in 2018—relocating to the massive WWII-era bunker at Archivplatz 1—marked a new era: the archive not only modernized its facilities but also expanded its cultural and educational outreach. Today, MARCHIVUM is a leading example of how historic urban spaces can be repurposed for contemporary civic engagement and remembrance.

The building itself, originally constructed to shelter civilians during air raids, now stands as a testament to both Mannheim’s resilience and its commitment to transforming sites of conflict into places of community and learning. (mannheim.de)

Practical Information: Hours, Tickets, Location

Visiting Hours

Exhibitions:
- Tuesday, Thursday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays and major holidays
Archive/Reading Rooms:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Always verify current hours on the official Marchivum website.

Tickets and Entry

Permanent exhibitions: Free admission
Special exhibitions/events: Ticket prices may apply; check here for details
Guided tours & workshops: Some are free; others may require booking or a small fee

Location & Directions

Address: Archivplatz 1 (Dammstraße/Ecke Bürgermeister-Fuchs-Straße), 68169 Mannheim, Germany
Public Transport: Tram lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 (stops: “Kunsthalle/Hauptbahnhof” or “Paradeplatz”)
Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended

Accessibility

Barrier-free building
Elevators and accessible restrooms
Multilingual resources available

Exhibitions and Features

Permanent Exhibitions

“Typisch Mannheim!”
An interactive journey through Mannheim’s evolution from its 17th-century founding to present day. Enjoy multimedia installations, a 3D city model, and immersive displays that highlight major eras: early city life, the Age of the Electors, industrialization, and postwar diversity. (rausgegangen.de)
“Was hat das mit mir zu tun?”
This sobering exhibition examines Mannheim during the Nazi era through personal stories, original documents, and multimedia, fostering reflection on responsibility, democracy, and remembrance. (museumspass.com)

Special Exhibitions & Rotating Programs

MARCHIVUM hosts regular special exhibitions and programs, such as:

“20 Jahre Künstlernachlässe Mannheim” (2025): Celebrating local artists’ legacies (marchivum.de)
“Die Neue Sachlichkeit” and 1920s Mannheim: Exploring the city’s cultural transformation (visit-mannheim.de)
“Gurs 1940”: Documenting the deportation of southwestern German Jews (marchivum.de)
“Frauen und Arbeit in Mannheim”: Highlighting women’s labor history

Guided Tours & Public Programs

Regular public tours (no advance booking required)
Behind-the-scenes archival tours
Multimedia guides for visitors with disabilities
School and family workshops
Thematic lectures and events

(marchivum.de)

Research and Collections

City records: Council minutes, planning documents
Photographs & maps: Urban development and transformation
Personal papers & oral histories: First-hand accounts of key historical events
Special collections: Local industry, migration, and community diversity

Researchers can access materials in reading rooms during archive hours, with staff assistance. Online resources are also available. (marchivum.de)

Visitor Tips and Highlights

Photography: Permitted for personal use (no flash/tripods)
Family-friendly: Interactive displays and workshops engage all ages
Best times: Mornings on weekdays are quieter; weekends feature special tours
Duration: Allocate 1.5–2 hours for exhibitions; longer for research
Languages: Exhibits in German; English materials and tours available upon request
Nearby attractions: Water Tower, Kunsthalle Mannheim, Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen, Mannheim Palace (rausgegangen.de)
Audiala App: Download for audio guides and event info

MARCHIVUM’s Role in Mannheim’s Urban Identity

From Bunker to Cultural Beacon

MARCHIVUM’s building, once Mannheim’s largest air-raid bunker, now serves as a symbol of urban reinvention. Its transformation demonstrates the city’s commitment to integrating its history—both inspiring and difficult—into the contemporary landscape. Federal urban development grants supported this innovative reuse, making MARCHIVUM a model for sustainable heritage preservation. (mannheim.de)

Civic Memory and Community Engagement

With over 13 linear kilometers of archival material, MARCHIVUM documents Mannheim’s multicultural identity and civic evolution. Through exhibitions like “Typisch Mannheim!” and programs addressing the Nazi era, migration, and transatlantic ties (such as the MAEMORIES exhibition on the American military presence), the institution fosters dialogue, remembrance, and civic awareness. (kriegsende-mannheim.de)

Accessibility, Participation, and Urban Vitality

MARCHIVUM is a hub for public learning, creativity, and intergenerational exchange. Events like International Museum Day, citywide festivals, and open days draw diverse audiences and enliven the surrounding neighborhood. The building’s striking architecture makes it a local landmark and visual anchor in the Jungbusch district. (marchivum.de)

Plan Your Visit: FAQs

Q: What are the current opening hours?
A: Exhibitions: Tuesday, Thursday–Sunday 10:00–18:00, Wednesday until 20:00. Archive: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00–16:00, Thursday until 18:00. Closed Mondays and major holidays. (marchivum.de)

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, for permanent exhibitions. Special exhibitions may charge a fee.

Q: Are tours available?
A: Yes, regular public tours; check the website for schedules and languages.

Q: Is MARCHIVUM accessible?
A: The building is barrier-free, with accessible restrooms and multilingual resources.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Archivplatz 1, easily reached by tram/bus; limited parking nearby.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Personal photography is allowed; please respect posted restrictions.

Q: Who can I contact for group bookings or research?
A: Email [email protected] or call +49 621 293-3926.