Artist signature J P W by Johann Peter Werth on lithographic art label for Sigmund Spear in Nuremberg

Stadtarchiv Nürnberg

Stadtarchiv Nürnberg Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Stadtarchiv Nürnberg

The Stadtarchiv Nürnberg (Nuremberg City Archive) stands as a cornerstone of Nuremberg’s cultural and historical memory. With origins dating back to at least 1050, the archive preserves manuscripts, charters, photographs, maps, personal papers, and countless records that detail the city’s journey from a Free Imperial City in the Holy Roman Empire to a modern urban center. Whether you are a historian, student, genealogist, or curious traveler, the Stadtarchiv offers exclusive access to primary sources illuminating Nuremberg’s evolution, its artistic heritage, and its pivotal moments in European history. The archive’s mission extends beyond preservation, embracing education, digital engagement, and public outreach. (Stadtarchiv Nürnberg), (bavarikon – Stadtarchiv Nürnberg), (Staatsarchiv Nürnberg)

Historical multi-image collage of Rochusfriedhof cemetery in Nuremberg from 1915

Interior view of St. Katharina Church in Nuremberg around 1923

Vintage image of Miss Polly ascending with her giant balloon at the 1903 Nuremberg Volksfest

Copyfraud notice by Stadtarchiv Nürnberg on historic document illustrating unauthorized copyright claims

Historical image depicting the execution by drowning and breaking wheel in Nuremberg 1558

Historic Randahl'sche House at Vestnertorgraben 3 in Nuremberg street view

Former Randahl'sche Haus at Vestnertorgraben 3 in Nürnberg garden side

Jörg Herz Nürnberger Münzmeister vintage postcard artwork

1716 copperplate engraving of Nürnberg Sündersbühl Delsenbach

Copper engraving portrait of Amalia Beer (née Bachelbl) from 1740

Historic Hausgarten der Herren von Lempen in Nürnberg with Aranza Limonata Cultures from 1708

Aerial view of Nuremberg's Old Town in 1917 showing historical buildings and streets

Panoramic view of Nürnberg old town with historic buildings and skyline

View of Pegnitzufer riverside with the historic synagogue in Nuremberg, Germany

Black and white portrait photo of Kgl Hofrat Georg von Schuh, mayor of Nuremberg

Nassauer Haus with stacked beer barrels in Nuremberg

Historic Findelhaus building in Nürnberg photographed by F Schmidt

Interior of the Great Hall in the Old Town Hall of Nuremberg from the 19th century

Southeast view of Nuremberg from the castle in 1945

Old black and white photo of Breite Gasse street in Nürnberg in 1912

Historic courtyard of Burgstraße 10 in Nuremberg around 1910, showing traditional architecture

Historic street view of Burgstraße 10 in Nürnberg around 1910

Historic photo of the corner of Burgschmietstraße and Weigelstraße in Nürnberg in 1880

View of the south side of Fleischbrücke in Nürnberg, showing buildings up to the Museumsbrücke

Historic tram on Fürther Straße in Nürnberg in 1929

Interior view of Königstor gate in Nürnberg with historic stone arch and pathway

Nuremberg Königstor and Frauentorturm city gate towers from outside

Historical black and white photo of Königstraße 50 and 52 in Nürnberg before 1880

Nuremberg Laufer Torturm outer view 1927 black and white photo

Exterior view of Laufer Torturm in Nuremberg

Historical photo of Nützelschlösschen in Sündersbühl, Nürnberg around 1913

Historic black and white photo of Untere Königstraße and Museumsbrücke in Nürnberg, Germany, taken in 1911

Etching of Nuremberg city gate between Laufer and Vestner doors, created by Erhard in 1819

Historic original certificate from Nuremberg archive

Medieval document dated 28 October 1314, first mention of Defersdorf

Four wives driven out of the city with rods for adultery and promiscuity in Nuremberg, June 3, 1609

Drawing of a Gleisshammer with Zeltnerschloss mechanism

Introduction
Origins and Early Development
Role in the Imperial City
Transition to Bavarian State Control
Holdings and Collections
Visiting Hours, Tickets & Accessibility
Guided Tours & Visitor Tips
Research and Public Engagement
Preservation and Modernization
Nuremberg’s Historical Memory
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nearby Attractions & Suggested Itineraries
Conclusion & Call to Action
References

Origins and Early Development

The Stadtarchiv Nürnberg finds its roots in the medieval period, with the earliest surviving document—the release of the serf Sigena—dated July 16, 1050, considered Nuremberg’s “birth certificate.” As the city flourished as a trading and political hub, the archive expanded to safeguard legal documents, charters, and council records essential for administering the Free Imperial City. (Stadtarchiv Nürnberg)

Role in the Imperial City

In the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, Nuremberg was a leading city of the Holy Roman Empire. The Golden Bull of 1356 established Nuremberg as the site for Imperial Diets, and the Imperial Regalia were housed here from 1424 to 1796. The archive preserves vital council minutes, legal records, and correspondence from this era, documenting governance, daily life, and the influence of prominent citizens such as Albrecht Dürer. (Stadtarchiv Nürnberg)

Transition to Bavarian State Control

With Nuremberg’s integration into the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806, the original Imperial City archive became part of the Bavarian state (Staatsarchiv Nürnberg), while the Stadtarchiv Nürnberg continued as the city’s municipal archive. The collections grew to include private archives, photographs, and materials reflecting Nuremberg’s industrialization, wartime experiences, and postwar recovery. (Staatsarchiv Nürnberg)

Holdings and Collections

The Stadtarchiv Nürnberg is regarded as the “memory of the city,” with nearly 20 linear kilometers of holdings spanning from 1050 to the present (Wikipedia – Stadtarchiv Nürnberg). Collections include:

Medieval charters and council minutes
Administrative files and legal documents
Personal papers of notable citizens and families
Photographs, posters, and ephemera
Historic maps, including the 1630 Hans Bien city map (Historic Nuremberg PDF)
Audio-visual materials and oral history interviews

Collections are categorized for research purposes, supporting academic, genealogical, and public inquiries. Many finding aids and selected documents are digitized for remote access (Online-Findmittel und Online-Digitalisate).

Visiting Stadtarchiv Nürnberg: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

Current Visiting Arrangements (2025)

Due to ongoing renovations (expected until 2030), the main archive building is closed to the public. However, materials can be accessed by appointment at external locations such as the Lichtenau branch.

Address (Administrative Office): Rollnerstraße 14/4, 90408 Nürnberg (no public materials here)
Reading Room Access: External locations (e.g., Lichtenau branch), by prior appointment (Außenstelle Lichtenau)
Opening Hours: By appointment only; limited workspace; Fridays open mornings only (Benutzung und Beratung nach Voranmeldung)
Admission: Free; registration and advance booking mandatory
Accessibility: Most external sites are accessible; inquire about specific accommodations when booking
Contact: Tel. +49 911 935190, Fax +49 911 9351999, Email [email protected]

(Staatsarchiv Nürnberg)

Guided Tours & Visitor Tips

Guided Tours: Offered occasionally; check the events page for schedules (Staatsarchiv Nürnberg Veranstaltungen)
Exhibitions & Lectures: Regular thematic exhibitions, lectures, and educational outreach programs
Photography: Permitted in reading rooms for personal research (self-service digital photography), subject to rules; inquire for permissions in exhibition areas
Visitor Guidelines: Food and drink prohibited in research areas; note-taking with pencils only; silence required in reading rooms; children welcome with supervision

Research and Public Engagement

The Stadtarchiv Nürnberg supports a wide range of research, including legal, genealogical, and academic topics. Public engagement initiatives include:

Digitization Projects: Expanding online access to collections (Stadtarchiv Nürnberg – Einfach Online Machen)
Community Projects: “Perspektivwechsel” project, collecting oral histories of young migrants (Perspektivwechsel Project)
Educational Programs: Lectures, school tours, and lifelong learning opportunities (kpz-nuernberg.de)

Preservation and Modernization

Materials are preserved in climate-controlled environments, with ongoing digitization protecting originals and enhancing access. Since 2000, the archive has been housed in the modern Norishalle. The Stadtarchiv is also part of the city’s emergency association for the protection of cultural assets (Mitglied im Notfallverbund Nürnberg).

Nuremberg’s Historical Memory

The Stadtarchiv Nürnberg provides resources for understanding all eras of the city’s history, including its role during the Nazi era and the Nuremberg Trials. The archive supports a culture of remembrance and civic education, collaborating with city tours and memorial projects (Culture of Remembrance Tour).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Stadtarchiv Nürnberg visiting hours?
A: Visits are by appointment only due to renovations. Reading rooms have limited hours; book in advance.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, access is free, but appointments are required.

Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: Book via the archive’s website or contact by phone or email.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, but only occasionally. Check the events page in advance.

Q: Is the archive accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Most external sites are accessible; confirm your needs when booking.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, in reading rooms for personal research, following archive rules.

Nearby Attractions & Suggested Itineraries

Combine your visit to the Stadtarchiv with nearby historical sites:

Nuremberg Castle (Kaiserburg): Medieval stronghold with panoramic city views
Albrecht Dürer’s House: Home of the Renaissance artist
Germanisches Nationalmuseum: Germany’s largest cultural history museum
Hauptmarkt Square & Schöner Brunnen: Iconic city landmarks
Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds: Explore 20th-century history

The central location of the archive makes it easy to integrate into a walking tour of the Altstadt or a day exploring Nuremberg’s rich heritage. (Globe Guide), (The Crazy Tourist)

Tips for a Successful Visit

Plan Ahead: Book appointments and check current opening hours
Bring Photo ID: Required for research access
Travel Light: Use lockers for bags and coats
Check Language Support: English brochures and assistance available
Combine with Sightseeing: Archive is close to major historic sites
Stay Updated: Follow the Stadtarchiv’s website and social channels for news and events

Visual and Digital Resources

Online Catalogs & Digitized Materials: Explore holdings remotely (Stadtarchiv Nürnberg – Online Recherche)
Virtual Tours & Exhibitions: Available on the archive’s official website
Suggested Visuals: Photos of the archive building, historic manuscripts, and maps with descriptive alt tags (e.g., “Stadtarchiv Nürnberg historic building exterior”, “Medieval manuscripts on display at Stadtarchiv Nürnberg”)

Conclusion & Call to Action

A visit to the Stadtarchiv Nürnberg is both an educational journey and a tribute to the city’s enduring legacy. Despite renovations, the archive remains accessible through external reading rooms and digital platforms, inviting researchers and the public to discover the stories that have shaped Nuremberg. Plan your visit, engage with online resources, and explore Nuremberg’s other historical treasures for a truly enriching experience.

Stay connected via the archive’s website and social media, and download the Audiala app for audio guides and updates on city history.