Aerial of Bonn ()
The weather outside is frightful and staying warm indoors is so delightful. Why not get away from the lure of computer screens and televisions and go to Bonn’s Museum Mile? Not only will you stay warm, but you’ll learn all about the art, history, animals and culture of Germany. Bonn is conveniently located less than two-and-half hours from Kaiserslautern and less than two hours from Wiesbaden.
House of History / Haus der Geschichte
Plan to spend several hours at this multi-story museum all about Germany after World War II (post-1945). The permanent exhibition takes you through the histories and cultures of East and West Germany through artifacts, information, audio and video testimonials and interactive exhibits. There is a free audio guide, available in four languages, that you can download onto your phone to enrich your experience. There is an on-site restaurant that serves a large variety of food from chicken nuggets, pasta dishes and schnitzel, or coffee and cakes for those with smaller appetites. Admission to the museum is free.
Founded by zoologist Alexander Koenig in 1912, you can explore a series of “staged habitats” and learn why brushfires are vital in the savanna, about animals in the Arctic and how the tiny ant makes a big difference in the rain forest. Begin your journey by exploring the digital dinosaur exhibit on their website. There is also a cafe on-site. Admission prices range from 6 euros for individuals to 15 euros for families of two adults and three children.
As one of the largest and most nationally renowned contemporary art museums with over 8,000 works of art, this is the museum for contemporary art lovers everywhere. There is a large collection of works by August Macke, Rhenish Expressionists and Max Ernst. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or coffee at the on-site cafe. Admission to the museum is free for people up to age 18 and is 7 euros for people 19 and older.
This branch of the Deutsches Museum is all about Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Children and adults will enjoy the KI:nderkram table, where they can challenge themselves with jigsaw puzzles, games and riddles of different levels. The KI:osk offers interactive exhibits and artifacts such as puppet shows and learning games. Admission prices range from 5 euros for children to 20 euros for families.
Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany / Bundeskunsthalle
This is a place where art, culture and science combine. There is art from all eras as well as exhibitions on archeology, cultural history and natural science. If you wish to brave the elements, or if the weather is unseasonably warm, check out the rooftop garden. Aside from the art and exhibits, there are theater, dance and music events that happen here. There is both a cafe and a restaurant on-site if you are seeking a snack or a full meal. Admission to the museum is free for people up to age 18 and ranges from 7 euros to 15 euros for those 19 and older.
For those who like to take public transportation, Bonn’s Museum Mile even has its own U-Bahn stop (Heussallee/Museumsmeile). Keep in mind that all of the museums are closed on Mondays and make sure to check the websites to see what public holidays they are open on.
