Maximilianmuseum (Maximilian Museum), Augsburg

The Maximilian Museum is the city’s oldest museum, having opened its doors in 1854. It hosts an impressive collection of art history and numerous exhibits detailing the history of Augsburg, especially from its days as an imperial city up until the mediatization of Bavaria in 1805. Originally, the museum also featured a significant natural history collection, which remained until 1905. In 2007, the museum was honored with the Bavarian Museum Prize.

Following a renovation, the museum now blends historical elements with modern design, including a glass roof over the inner courtyard, Viermetzhof, named after the museum's patron. This courtyard houses the original statues of the Augsburg fountains by Adrian de Vries and Hubert Gerhard, which were moved indoors to protect them from environmental damage; replicas now stand in their place around the city.

The museum spans three floors, showcasing permanent exhibitions that include sculptures, goldsmiths' works, architectural models, and various items related to the city’s history. There's also space for temporary exhibits. Notable exhibitions include the Adriaen de Vries showcase in 2000 and "When Peace Was Possible" in 2005, part of the Augsburg Peace Year.

Additionally, the museum contains Augsburg’s historical model chamber, which includes models of city buildings, both planned and demolished, as well as technical models of Augsburg’s water supply. This collection, unique on a global scale, was moved to safety during World War II and is now preserved in the Maximilian Museum.

The museum also holds an extensive coin collection, which originated from the Historical Society's collection brought in during the museum's early years. Expanded through donations, purchases, and the diocesan collection added in 1872, it includes around 1,000 medieval coins, 2,000 Augsburg coins, 2,000 coins from other regions, and about 5,000 medals, making it the most significant public collection of coins from the Free Imperial City of Augsburg.