The Stadtmuseum Fembohaus is housed in a late Renaissance merchant house, the only one of its kind in Nuremberg to have survived the destruction of the Second World War largely intact. Built between 1591 and 1596 for the Dutch merchant Philipp van Oyrl, the building serves as the city's primary museum for urban history, documenting Nuremberg's development from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
The museum's collection spans several floors, featuring original interiors, historical maps, and artifacts that illustrate the city's economic and cultural significance. Notable exhibits include a detailed scale model of the old town as it appeared before the 1945 air raids and the original Apollo Fountain, which was relocated from the Hauptmarkt to ensure its preservation.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Sandstone, Timber framing
- Civilization
- German
- Accessibility
- Limited; historic building with stairs
- Date(s)
- 1591-1596
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active museum
- Original Function
- Merchant residence
- Key Figures
- Philipp van Oyrl, Georg Christoph Fembo
Construction and Early Ownership
1591-1596The house was commissioned by the Dutch merchant Philipp van Oyrl. It was constructed in the late Renaissance style, characterized by its elaborate sandstone facade and gabled roof, reflecting the wealth of Nuremberg's merchant class during the late 16th century.
The Fembo Era
1680-1828In 1680, the house was acquired by the publisher Christoph Ulrich Fembo. The building remained in the Fembo family for nearly 150 years, during which time it became a center for cartography and publishing, significantly contributing to the city's intellectual life.
Transformation into a Museum
1953-PresentFollowing the extensive destruction of Nuremberg's city center in 1945, the Fembohaus was one of the few historic structures to remain standing. It was converted into the city's municipal museum in 1953, dedicated to preserving the history and architectural heritage of Nuremberg.
Cultural Significance
The Fembohaus is a vital symbol of Nuremberg's architectural resilience. As the only remaining large-scale Renaissance merchant house in the city, it provides a rare glimpse into the domestic life and aesthetic values of the pre-industrial merchant elite. It serves as the primary repository for the city's collective memory, particularly regarding its urban layout and historical transformation.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Discussions among architectural historians often focus on the extent of 19th-century interior modifications versus the original 16th-century layout. There is ongoing research into the provenance of specific decorative elements salvaged from other destroyed buildings in the city that were integrated into the museum's collection.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission fee required. Guided tours are available for groups by prior arrangement.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The museum is particularly relevant for visitors interested in the city's pre-1945 urban planning.
Photography
Non-commercial photography is permitted without flash or tripods.
Nearby POIs
13 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]Nuremberg: A Guide to the City's History — Helmut Beer. Nuremberg Municipal Archives (2010)
- [2]Renaissance Architecture in Franconia — Wolfgang Wiemer. German Art History Press (2015)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Sandstone, Timber framing
- Civilization
- German
- Accessibility
- Limited; historic building with stairs