1525 – Franconias Fight for Freedom
Special exhibition April 11, 2025 to February 22, 2026
As part of the 500th anniversary of the German Peasants' War, the Museum of Franconia invites you on a unique journey into the past with the special exhibition 1525 – Franconias Fight for Freedom.
The exhibition illustrates the events of 1525 and focuses on the motivations and motives of those involved. It offers insights into the world around 1525 and focuses on the rebels, their demands, their success and their failure. This is contrasted with the interests of the authorities and their reactions to the unrest. In between are the Franconian cities, which sometimes passively and sometimes actively influenced the dynamics of the uprisings. Last but not least, the question is asked: How do we assess the Peasants' War over time and what do we think today?
An innovative presentation with highlight objects from the museum's own collection, previously unseen source texts and illustrations from the period as well as interactive stations convey the complex topic in an exciting and understandable way. Museum visitors aged 12 and over can expect an informative and lively journey through the history of the Peasants' War in Franconia. Everyone is invited to explore the exhibition and put their own ideas and opinions up for discussion at the interactive stations.
A whisper in the gun smoke:
The Washerwoman of Würzburg
The computer role-playing game about the Peasants' War in Würzburg
A computer role-playing game specially designed for the exhibition gives not only young visitors a playful and emotional approach to the background to the storming of Marienberg Fortress. Players slip into the role of the washerwoman Johanna and influence Würzburg's history during the Peasants' War: in a world based on historical sources, they experience fascinating adventures, discover lovingly reconstructed original locations and meet important personalities.
Information about the exhibition
The exhibition is located in the Kelterhalle of the Museum für Franken and is accessible at ground level (without steps). The exhibition texts are easy to understand and written in German and English. All exhibition texts are also available as booklets in the exhibition to make them easier to read. Further information on accessibility can be found under the following link: Accessibility at the Museum für Franken.
...because we are free and want to be free!
Program of events
Guided tours with curator Teresa Novy (German)
Thursday, November 20, 3:00 pm
1525 - Franconias Fight for Freedom
Riemenschneider in the Peasants' War
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
1525 - Franconias Fight for Freedom:
Women join in the demand!
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
1525 - Franconias Fight for Freedom:
Overview tour
Registration under 0931/20594-39, -0 or info@museum-franken.de
Guided tours & events (German)
December 28, 1 - 4 p.m.
Family afternoon at the exhibition "1525 - Franconias Fight for Freedom"
1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm: Overview tour
All day: Hands-on stations for the whole family!
Participation fee for children and adults € 2,
plus €1 admission for adults
Jan. 25 2026,2.30 p.m.
Sunday walk
"1525 - Franconias Fight for Freedom"
Guided tours of the special exhibition, Sundays at 2:30 pm
January 15 2026, 6 p.m.
Lecture: Revolt or attempt at democracy in Franconia? The first Franconian parliament in the "Peasants' War" of 1525
Dr. Gregor Matzig
Head of the Schweinfurt City Archive
In cooperation with Freunde Mainfränkischer Kunst und Geschichte e.V.
Registration by Jan. 8 2026 under 0931-205 94 0, info@museum-franken.de
Feb. 8 2026, c
Sunday walk
"1525 - Franconias Fight for Freedom"
Guided tours of the special exhibition, Sundays at 2:30 pm
February 22, 11 a.m.
Matinee at the finissage
Program design with pics4peace and Freie Waldorfschule Würzburg
Bookable guided tours
Individual and group tours
An excursion to Marienberg Fortress is the perfect opportunity to take a guided tour of the special exhibition with a group of friends, family, company or club. A fascinating journey through Franconia around 1525 awaits the guests. The tour can also be booked in English.
Price: 70 €, duration: 60 minutes
English guided tours available.
School classes
The Museum für Franken offers classes from the 5th grade upwards an exciting insight into both the exhibition and the fortress. The question is explored together: "Does the end justify the means?". The school program was developed in cooperation with the Bavarian Palace Administration. Price: 80 €, duration: 90 minutes
English guided tours available.
The Museum für Franken is happy to receive inquiries on 0931/20594-39 or besuch@museumfranken.de.
