Brukenthal History Museum Altemberger House
Explore Sibiu's rich past through diverse relics, from ancient times to medieval weapons, housed in a beautiful historic building.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Brukenthal History Museum Altemberger House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Sibiu's rich past through diverse relics, from ancient times to medieval weapons, housed in a beautiful historic building.
"A beautiful building with interesting artifacts, though information is limited."
💡 Bring a flashlight
Some exhibits have poor lighting, a small flashlight can help you see details better.
📚 Do prior research
Information is limited, especially in English. Research Sibiu's history beforehand for context.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Coin Collection
Tower
An outstanding collection of historic coins, offering a glimpse into past economies and rulers.
Guild System Artifacts
Various exhibits
Discover the importance of the guild system through a well-displayed collection of relevant artifacts.
Roman & Medieval Stonework
Lapidarium
Explore fascinating collections of Roman and Medieval stonework, showcasing ancient craftsmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Information Accessibility
Lighting & Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Mai există influențe nemțești în Sibiu?
💡 Bring a flashlight
Some exhibits have poor lighting, a small flashlight can help you see details better.
📚 Do prior research
Information is limited, especially in English. Research Sibiu's history beforehand for context.
🏛️ Admire the building
The historic building itself is a highlight, enjoy its architecture.
💰 Check ticket prices
Admission can be over $8 USD, consider if the limited information justifies the cost for you.
Tips
from all over the internet
💡 Bring a flashlight
Some exhibits have poor lighting, a small flashlight can help you see details better.
📚 Do prior research
Information is limited, especially in English. Research Sibiu's history beforehand for context.
🏛️ Admire the building
The historic building itself is a highlight, enjoy its architecture.
💰 Check ticket prices
Admission can be over $8 USD, consider if the limited information justifies the cost for you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Brukenthal History Museum Altemberger House for its beautiful historic building and interesting collection, including a notable coin display. However, many point out significant drawbacks such as poor lighting in exhibits and a lack of detailed information, especially in English, which can limit the educational value for some.
"I really enjoyed this history museum, the building itself is beautiful. The exhibits are interesting and give you a glimpse into Sibiu’s local traditions, and even the early days of Freemasonry here. The staff were kind and helpful, which made the visit even nicer. A great spot if you want to dive deeper into Sibiu’s past. This museum is definitely worth a visit."
Anda Milea
"This is a terrific smaller museum that makes the most of its excellent collection. I’ve visited quite a few museums in Romania over the last three weeks, a common issue is all the info being only in Romanian.
This museum has cleverly gotten around that issue by setting up displays that are self-explanatory, although there are brief notes. It was a treat to be able to walk through and just enjoy the tableaus that “show you” shelter styles, pottery, weapons and jewelry from various periods.
Eventually you do get some signage, but lighting is a problem. The collection is very good, but we do need to be able to actually see it and the explanations. Still, this museum is well worth your time - don’t miss the outstanding historic coin collection in the tower!"
Martha Canipe
"Can't really recommend this one too much. It's in a beautiful historic building and has a great collection of objects. However, there is very little information even in Romanian (less of course in English), though the lapidarium is a little better in that regard. It really doesn't tell a story and hence is more like a museum to old objects - not Sibiu history. At over 8 USD, not a very satisfying experience.
The childhood exhibit, which I think is temporary, is an exception : cool stuff + good storytelling."
Jason Cohen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the heart of Sibiu's historic center, making it easily accessible on foot if you are already in the city. Public transport options will likely drop you near the Old Town, from where it's a short walk.
Parking in Sibiu's historic center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking lots on the outskirts of the old town and walk to the museum.
Walking is the best way to explore Sibiu's charming historic center, including reaching the Altemberger House. Many visitors appreciate the pedestrian-friendly nature of the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check the official Brukenthal National Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission prices can be around $8 USD or more. It's recommended to verify current ticket prices on the museum's official website.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or other groups is typically available on the museum's official website. It's best to check there for details.
While not always explicitly stated, purchasing tickets online in advance is often a good strategy for popular attractions to save time. Check the museum's website for online booking options.
Accessibility information for the Altemberger House, especially regarding its historic nature, should be sought directly from the museum. Some older buildings may have limitations.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse range of relics, from Paleolithic items to medieval weapons and coins. It also highlights Sibiu's local traditions and the history of Freemasonry.
Many visitors report that information is primarily in Romanian, with limited English translations. Some displays are designed to be self-explanatory.
Some visitors have noted that the lighting in certain exhibits can be poor, making it difficult to see the artifacts and read the descriptions.
Yes, the historic coin collection located in the tower is frequently highlighted as an outstanding and must-see part of the museum.
There can be temporary exhibits, such as a 'childhood exhibit' that was noted for its good storytelling and interesting content.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage within the museum or ask staff if photography is permitted, especially without flash.
The beautiful historic building itself offers great photo opportunities. The exhibits, despite lighting issues, can also provide unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to manage expectations regarding detailed explanations. Consider making it a shorter visit focused on the most visually striking artifacts, like the coin collection in the tower. The beautiful historic building itself can also be an interesting element for children to explore.
📚 History Enthusiasts
However, it's crucial to be prepared for the limited interpretive text, especially in English. Enthusiasts might want to conduct pre-visit research on Sibiu's history, local traditions, and the significance of guilds to fully appreciate the exhibits. The lapidarium with Roman and Medieval stonework is another key attraction for those interested in ancient history.
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the textures of the medieval weapons, the gleam of the historic coins, or the patterns in the stonework. Be mindful of any photography restrictions and the potential for low light to affect image quality. Visiting during the day might offer slightly better ambient light for capturing the exhibits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Collection
While the breadth of the collection is commendable, a recurring theme in visitor feedback is the limited interpretation and information, especially in English. This means that while the objects themselves are interesting, fully understanding their significance might require prior knowledge or further research. The museum's strength lies in its ability to visually showcase different aspects of history, allowing visitors to piece together narratives.
Notable sections include the outstanding historic coin collection housed in the tower and exhibits detailing the importance of the guild system. The lapidarium, featuring Roman and Medieval stonework, is also a significant draw, though it may be closed at times.
Navigating Visitor Experience
However, a significant drawback mentioned by many is the inadequate lighting in several display areas. This can make it challenging to properly view the artifacts and read the accompanying text, detracting from the overall appreciation of the collection.
Despite these challenges, the museum is still considered worth a visit by many, especially those interested in Sibiu's history and the visual presentation of artifacts. The childhood exhibit, when available, has been noted as an exception with good storytelling and engaging content.
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