Named for the order of monks that once lived in this regal building, the Augustinermuseum holds one of Freiburg’s best-loved and most varied art collections. Though the outside retains the 13th-century simplicity of the original monastery, the inside has been completely renovated to display a collection of art ranging from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Wander its halls and staircases and gain a new appreciation for the art of southwestern Germany and beyond.
Spot the museum from far away its bright yellow walls beckon from the street corner where it stands. Admire the subtle decoration on the first floor windows and the charming peaked roofs on the attic before ducking through the arched doorway to the left. An elaborate colonnade stretches before you, full of statuary and gargoyles that were rescued from Freiburg Cathedral during World War II.
Meander around the stonework before climbing the stairs to the second floor. Look back for a view of the cathedral’s medieval gargoyles from above, so close you’ll feel you can almost touch them.
Pause for a moment of reflection in the former choir, which contains a full organ and the museum’s collection of Baroque paintings. Climb to the attic for a small but robust collection of 19th-century paintings from artists including Anselm Feuerbach and Franz Xaver Winterhalter.
Wrench yourself from the art to look out the windows, from where you’ll get a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
End your visit in the newly opened hyper-modern Haus der Graphischen Sammlung, full of print art from the Augustinermuseum and the Museum für Neue Kunst.
The Augustinermuseum is on the western edge of Freiburg’s Old Town, a 15-minute walk from Freiburg’s main train station. Walk here in 3 minutes from the Bertoldsbrunnen, the city’s main meeting point and tram junction. Parking near the museum can be difficult, so leave your car in the outskirts of town and take public transportation within Old Town.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from mid-morning to early evening. Discount admission is available for seniors and students.
