Art Collections of Coburg Fortress (Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg)

As early as the 19th century, the Dukes of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha established world-class art collections at Coburg Fortress. In 1839, Duke Ernst I opened selected rooms to the public as a museum and initiated the redesign of the fortress to reflect the romantic spirit of medieval castles and knights. Today, the fortress houses internationally significant collections, including Venetian glass, historic hunting weapons, field armours, carriages, and ornate tournament sleighs. Masterpieces by German artists such as Cranach, Dürer, and Grünewald capture the essence of the Late Middle Ages and the 16th century. The copperplate engraving cabinet (Kupferstichkabinett), with over 220,000 prints and drawings from the 15th to 21st century, ranks among the largest graphic art collections in Germany. Highlights include the Fürstenbau (Prince’s Building), converted into a ducal residence in the early 20th century, and the Steinerne Kemenate (Stone Bower), which features the magnificent 400-year-old hunting room adorned with intricate intarsia. The Luther Rooms, where Martin Luther stayed during his time at the fortress, add a fascinating historical dimension. Visitors can explore the permanent exhibitions through guided tours of the fortress grounds and its collections. Families will enjoy a variety of tours, temporary exhibitions, and events that bring the history and culture of Coburg Fortress to life.