Palatinate Musicians' Museum

Economic reasons in particular drove many Palatinate residents to emigrate in the 18th and 19th centuries.

But social upheavals, the failure of the freedom movement in 1848, crop failures and famine, as well as structural changes in the skilled trades due to mechanization and industrialization also prompted many thousands to leave their homeland and seek their fortune in a foreign country.

The Emigration Museum in Oberalben analyzes the motivations and history of Palatinate emigrants who worked as linen weavers.

The Palatinate Musician Museum at Lichtenberg Castle highlights the unique tradition of itinerant musicians in the Palatinate with realistic scenes from the history of traveling musicians.

In the past, music provided many (musician) families with a livelihood and was an important economic factor in the Western Palatinate. During the heyday of itinerant musicianship, an estimated 2,500 people were on tour.

Many also became famous in their new homeland through their music, such as Georg Drumm from Erdesbach, who composed “Hail America” in 1917.

This song is still played today at official events, such as the inauguration of the new US president.

Opening hours

From April 1st to October 31st, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From November 1st to March 31st, daily from noon to 5 p.m.

The museum is closed on Mondays.