Frey-Haus
Built in 1723 and situated in the heart of Brandenburg's old town, the Frey-Haus is the only preserved baroque architectural complex with main building and outbuildings in the town. Its name goes back to the tax exemption (the German „frey“ means exempt) that its owners enjoyed in the 18th century.
Behind the main building, built with stones from St. Mary's Church, extend the outbuildings with courtyard and garden.
The Stadtmuseum Brandenburg an der Havel has been located in the Frey-Haus since 1939. Previously the building had been an organ and spinet factory.
Accessibility: Main house and outbuildings are barrier-free.
Temporary exhibitions in the main building
The temporary exhibitions in the main building are devoted to the more recent history of Brandenburg an der Havel, which for a long time was a prosperous location for industry.
In the Nazi era many armaments industries were set up and located here, with forced labourers also being exploited to that end. The Second World War itself brought misery and death upon the people of the city, whether inhabitants or displaced people. With the end of the Second World War, the utopia of human socialism seemed within reach. That this hope was not fulfilled became evident not later than in 1989 with the largest demonstration Brandenburg had ever experienced, when twelve thousand people demanded the renewal of the political system.
Here you can find information about our current temporary exhibitions.
Exhibition: One hundred years of toys from Brandenburg an der Havel
The more than 100-year-old tradition of toy-making in Brandenburg is celebrated in the adjacent courtyard building. One of the focal points is the display of the famous toys made by „Patentwerke E.P. Lehmann“, which later became „VEB Mechanische Spielwaren“.
Until 1992 the company manufactured its products directly next to the Stadtmuseum Brandenburg an der Havel. The Frey-Haus once belonged to the company’s owner, Ernst Paul Lehmann, who made it available for exhibitions. The former grounds can be accessed through the rear exit of the museum. The old production facilities were converted in the 1990s and are now occupied by the city's administrative offices.
The garden of the Frey-Haus is an inviting place to spend some time. If you fancy a coffee break with cake or little snacks, you'll find the „Cafe Bistro Melange“ just two doors down on Ritterstraße 94.