Mainz Carnival Museum
Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum
Tells the story of Mainz's two-hundred-year carnival tradition through costumes, medals, float models and old photographs, giving a taste of the atmosphere even if you miss Rose Monday.
Mainz is one of Germany's three major carnival cities. The carnival season begins each year on November 11 at 11:11 and peaks with the Rose Monday parade in February. The Carnival Museum is housed in a former granary and displays costumes from past years, hats, carnival medals, float models that satirize politics, posters and the traditional “Schwellkopp” big-head figures. It also explains the “Helau” cheer and the tradition of political satire. Admission is about EUR 3. The museum is small, and a visit takes about 45 minutes.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun approx. 11:00–17:00; closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Kupferberg Sparkling Wine Cellars
- Schillerplatz & Carnival Fountain
- Sanctuary of Isis and Mater Magna
- St. Stephan's Church (Chagall Windows)
- Landesmuseum Mainz
- Natural History Museum Mainz
- St. Peter's Church, Mainz
- Mainz Marktplatz & Weekly Market