Beautiful cross sculpture
Beautiful Cross Sculpture: A Symbol of Faith in Aachen's Heart
Centre Charlemagne: Aachen's City Museum
Explore Aachen's rich history at Centre Charlemagne, from Charlemagne's reign to modern times, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Centre Charlemagne, Aachen's city museum, vividly presents the city's history from Neolithic times to the present. Named after Charlemagne, it highlights his influence as the Carolingian ruler and Aachen's significance as a city of coronations. Interactive exhibits and multilingual content cater to all visitors.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Centre Charlemagne
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Tuesday
10 am-6 pm
Wednesday
10 am-6 pm
Thursday
10 am-6 pm
Friday
10 am-6 pm
Saturday
10 am-6 pm
Sunday
10 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Walking
Centre Charlemagne is centrally located between Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall on Katschhof. From Aachen Cathedral, walk approximately 100 meters towards the Town Hall; the museum will be on your left. From the Elisenbrunnen bus stop, it is about a 5-minute walk. Walk towards the Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall; the museum is located between these two landmarks.
Public Transport
Take any bus to the Elisenbrunnen stop, which is served by virtually all bus lines in Aachen. From Elisenbrunnen, walk approximately 400 meters to Centre Charlemagne, located between the Cathedral and Town Hall. A single bus ticket costs €2.80.
Car
From any Aachen motorway exit (E314, E40, A4, A44), drive towards the city center. Be aware of pedestrian zones with restricted car access. Use the parking guidance system to find available parking. The Parkhaus am Dom at Jesuitenstraße 10, 52062 Aachen, is a nearby parking option. Parking costs vary, with options like the Stiftstrasse garage offering deals such as a night tariff for €5. Consider using Park + Ride options outside the city center for €5, including bus transport to the center for up to 5 people.
Local tips
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Visit the history lab for hands-on experiences, especially engaging for families with children.
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Start your exploration of Aachen's historical sites by following the Route Charlemagne from the museum.
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Check for temporary exhibitions, which may have increased admission fees.
Discover more about Centre Charlemagne
Centre Charlemagne, located between the Cathedral and Town Hall, is Aachen's city museum, offering an engaging journey through time. Named after Charlemagne, the museum showcases Aachen's evolution from the Neolithic era to its modern status as a European city.
The museum delves into Charlemagne's era, highlighting Aachen's role as the heart of the Carolingian Empire. Exhibits explore his coronation in Rome and the impact of his reign. Visitors can discover Aachen's significance as the coronation site for over 30 German kings.
The museum also covers Aachen's time as a baroque spa town and its transformation through industrialization. It addresses Aachen's role during both World Wars and its liberation by Allied troops in 1944. Interactive media stations, exhibits, and a history lab engage visitors of all ages. The museum is the starting point for the Route Charlemagne, linking key historical, cultural, and architectural sites.
Centre Charlemagne offers a comprehensive look at Aachen's history, making it a must-see for history buffs and tourists.
A brief summary to Centre Charlemagne
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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Discover Aachen: A historic gem in Germany, renowned for its UNESCO-listed cathedral, thermal springs, vibrant student life, and delicious Printen gingerbread.
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