Fugger and Welser Adventure Museum, Augsburg

The Fugger and Welser Adventure Museum in Augsburg is all about diving into the history of the city's most notable merchant families. Located in the cathedral quarter, this museum explores what made the Fugger and Welser families so successful. It looks at their trade networks, business practices, and the role of Augsburg as a key trading hub during the shift from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Unlike traditional museums, this one skips the usual exhibits and goes for an interactive approach. Housed in a building from 1530, styled after the Italian Renaissance, it uses films, sound pieces, projections, and interactive content to make history engaging. Visitors can even listen to imagined conversations between Jakob Fugger "the Rich" and Bartholomäus V. Welser, or try out traditional dances on the museum's upper floor, all while catching snippets of gossip about politics, society, and religion.

The museum doesn't just stick to the past; it also ties in modern economic themes, making it relevant today. There are plenty of guided tours and events, plus interactive stations designed for kids, including hands-on activities and birthday party options. If you're looking to get a feel for what made these families tick and how they influenced Augsburg, this museum has you covered.