Domäne Dahlem - Estate and Museum

The Domäne Dahlem is a truly special place amidst the otherwise hectic capital city. The unique museum project marries agriculture with exciting exhibitions and interactive ways of imparting one's know-how. Here, where people have been tilling the fields for more than 800 years, you can learn everything about how your food is grown - from the field right into your mouth, so to speak. The large-scale open-air museum aims to introduce visitors to both the typical daily life on the farm and historical facts. Here's what we encourage: We encourage visitors to actively participate.

Manor and museum rolled into one

As early as the Middle Ages, Domäne Dahlem was a well-known Rittergut (knight's estate) and was farmed by various owners over the centuries. After the Second World War, a passionate citizens' initiative fought for the preservation of agriculture. They prevailed and founded this unique open-air museum. From the beginning of the museum's work, the association also has been organising events such as nostalgic markets and medieval festivals. Your tour of the Domäne Dahlem museum will kick off in the terracotta-coloured manor house that dates back to 1560. There is a replica of a historic merchant's shop inside. Here's the highlight: As you shop, a clerk who is projected onto the glass will give you expert advice on what you should buy.

From the field to the plate

The Armbruster Room portrays the interesting history of beekeeping in Germany. Here you can peruse the cultural-historical collection of its namesake, the renowned bee expert Prof. Dr. Ludwig Armbruster. You can learn all about sausage making in the butcher's shop. After your visit to the manor house, the tour continues next door in the horse stables. The Culinarium of today features installations, exhibits and media stations to show the journey of food "from the field to the plate." You can find out and try out everything about food on three different floors. 

Get to know historical tools and enjoy hands-on activities

The Domäne Dahlem's other collection includes more than 10,000 historical tools and objects. In the course of the week, you can even peek over the shoulders of craftsmen at their work. And that's not all: If you feel like trying your hand at traditional crafts yourself, you are welcome to lend a hand. You can test your skills in blacksmithing, furniture restoration and jewellery gilding, among other things. After your tour, you can savour the food freshly harvested from the fields: The affiliated country inn proudly serves dishes made from local ingredients.

Pot your own favourite mug: The ceramics workshop by Regine Lüders

On the grounds of the Domäne Dahlem sits a creative space for handicrafts: the ceramics workshop run by Regine Lüders. Since the year 1999, the self-employed ceramist has been offering all visitors a wide range of tasteful products , from butter dishes, funny "frog cups" and tea services to vases and soap dishes.
Visitors are also invited to take part in a ceramics course with Regine Lüders: We warmly welcome anyone who wants to turn the potter's wheel themselves, build vessels using the slab technique or model sculptures. The weekend courses here are particularly popular .

Highlights of the open-air museum

• comprehensive overview of the history of European food culture (in the Culinarium)
• guided tours of the entire estate for specific target groups
• traditional workshops with craftsmen from blacksmiths to furniture restorers
• historical merchant's shop with projection of a "real" merchant
• Armbruster room with a wealth of fun-facts about bee culture and the work and life of the bee scientist Prof. Dr. Ludwig Armbruster.

More exhibitions in Dahlem

The Botanical Museum and its Botanical Garden, located close to the domain, is also a much-loved destination. Some of the exhibits stem from the collection of the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. The floral grave goods of the Egyptian pharaohs are especially impressive. The Great Tropical House from the Wilhelmine era stands in the garden complex.

Only about a 10-minute walk away you will find the Museum of European Cultures. Here you can learn everything about modern and pre-modern customs from the present day back to the 18th century. Among other things, it explores the daily grind of the industrial age, but also the traditions of smaller ethnic groups such as the Sami.

Here are a few tips for your visit to Domäne Dahlem

The easiest way to reach the museum is to take the U3 underground line to Dahlem-Dorf station. This takes you directly in front of the Domäne manor house. As an alternative, you can use the buses 110, M11 and X83. The museum charges an entrance fee to see the collection inside, and donations are appreciated when visiting the outside grounds. Please pay attention to the change in opening hours in winter and summer.

Tips for families and children

The Domäne Dahlem offers guided tours for children and young people, among others. Moreover, the children, together with their parents or grandparents, are invited to take part in workshops that take place on a regular basis. If you are a school group, please always register in advance online or by telephone.