Warleberger Hof City Museum

Noble Mansion of 1616

The Warleberger Hof on Dänische Straße was built in 1616 as a noble mansion and is one of the oldest surviving secular buildings in Kiel. In a city almost entirely destroyed in the Second World War, this is a rarity. The stately Renaissance building with its characteristic stepped gable largely survived the bombing raids and conveys an impression of how the genteel Kiel of earlier centuries looked. The mansion is named after a noble family that resided here. Today the building itself is a piece of tangible city history.

City Museum with Changing Exhibitions

The Warleberger Hof houses the city museum, which devotes itself in changing exhibitions to the history, art and everyday culture of Kiel. Instead of a fixed permanent exhibition, the museum focuses on annually changing themes, from urban development to photography to cultural-historical subjects. So a repeat visit is also worthwhile. The historic rooms with their low ceilings and old floorboards form an atmospheric backdrop for the displays. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and is regarded as a hidden gem for anyone wishing to discover Kiel beyond its well-known landmarks.

On the Historic Dänische Straße

The Warleberger Hof lies on Dänische Straße, one of Kiel's oldest streets, which once marked the route towards Denmark. Its location in the middle of the old town makes a visit easy to combine with other destinations: the Alter Markt with St Nikolai Church and Holstenstraße are only a few steps away. Anyone spending a day in Kiel's city centre can readily include the small museum as a quiet, weather-independent stop. In fine weather the Baroque courtyard invites a short break before continuing through the old town.