The museum in the Freudenberg Castle (Schloss Freudenberg) is an unforgettable experience exploring the wonders of senses and the mind.
The building of Schloss Freudenberg is rich with Wiesbaden history. The castle is an early 20th-century villa restored into what we know it now as an amazing ‘Museum of the Sense’ since 1993. It isn’t the typical castle we are used to see in Germany, but it was built as a villa for residents by the architect Paul Schultze-Naumburg. During World War I it became an Officers Club for the French Army. Around 1920 the city acquired the castle and then closed it in 1931. In 1939 it was sold to the US Army Garrison Wiesbaden and it was the Rod and Gun Club for the US Military personnel. From 1977 the castle was turned over to the United Pentecostal Church, but after leaving in 1984 the castle fell into disrepair due to vandalism and fire.
In 1993, thanks to the Society of Nature and Art, the castle was restored to as we know it today. This group of artists and educators vision was to develop the senses and the mind through art and culture. Some describe the caste as a laboratory where you can experiment and be involved.
I agree with that description, because walking into the castle was like walking into another world where you can touch, explore and connect with your senses. I have been to science museums in the States and the difference is that this one is more homemade and has the ‘think outside of the box’ mentality.
The very funky and fun Wiesbaden Folklore Festival held in the summer, started here at Schloss Freudenberg in the 90s. Due to popularity, it moved to the Wiesbaden Schlachthof in 2007.
There is so much to do before you go inside the castle on their beautiful park grounds. There are hands-on stations, an amazing playground, climbing wall and a barefoot path. First station we stopped at you are able to paint a special wish on the wishing stone.
Then to explore and give a great lesson to children about the power of the sun, there was a magnifying glass that actually burns the wood!
Around the corner there is a huge playground area with balance games, stilts, swings and climbing logs. (Note to self, stilts are much harder than they look!)
So I embarrassed myself enough with the stilts so it is time to go inside. When you first walk into the castle you feel and see curious minds of all ages walking around. Children were making their own candles, adults were playing with chimes and we were making waves from the friction from our hands. This was all happening in one room!
Also on the first floor was the café and gift shop. The café served delicious homemade treats and coffee. The café had unique charm with fake (hopefully) giant ants coming out from a corner on the ceiling.
I absolutely loved the gift shop and I bought some very cool items there for good prices. You can touch and try out each instrument, puzzle or gemstone.
The top floors had so many amazing stations to explore and be creative. There were pendulums used in so many creative ways.
Also upstairs we exercised our olfactory memory. We covered up the cards and tested if we were able to recognize the scent. We did pretty well and I was surprised how uncanny the scents were! Some of the scents will trigger a memory, just like when you smell a certain perfume and are immediately reminded of someone you know now or from your past.
Downstairs it got darker and we were able to explore more experiments with light and dark. With light, we played with shadows and for the dark experience they actually have a dark bar! You enter a completely blacked out hallway and enter the “Dunkel Bar” (Dark Bar) as if you are blind. Here you can order drinks and food. They even allow you to book it for groups, team events or readings. (I would enjoy a work meeting in there, because then no one can see me nodding off!)
Sorry no image of the Dark Bar... just close your eyes. ;)
There were more stations about touching and vibrations. To me it was also a trust exercise, but you put your hands in the clay pots and try to guess what it is. I think I have seen too many episodes of Fear Factor and I was a little reluctant putting my hand in it, but it was fine.
Near that station there was room filled with sand a couple of metal circles on poles. You stroke the bow to make a note which then make designs from the sound waves.
Then the grand finale of our visit to Schloss Freudenberg was going into the ice room. For my 4-year-old, we were going into the Elsa room! In this chilly -22°C room, you are given a class on their experiments and the cold in general. They have a snowflake garden that you can look at magnified and also an ice creation where they place only 1 drop of water on each day. The briefer didn’t wear a coat; “The cold never bothered her anyway”.
Address: Freudenbergstraße 224-226, 65201 Wiesbaden, Germany
Entry Price:
There are 3 different entry prices per category. You are allowed to choose how much you want to/ are able to pay from those 3 options! Year passes are also available.
Family (2 EW, 2 K) € 37,— € 42,— € 50,—
Adult € 14,— € 15,— € 16,—
Student € 9,— € 10,— € 11,—
Child 3 — 6 years € 5,— € 6,— € 7,—
The cold room is also good for cuddles! :)
Author’s Profile: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
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