Erfurt offers free museum entry during heatwaves above 30 degrees Celsius

In response to a heatwave, the German city of Erfurt is opening its municipal museums free of charge when temperatures climb to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) or above. The initiative, announced by Cultural Director Christian Horn, aims to provide citizens with a cool escape from the summer heat while also offering access to the city's cultural heritage.

Museums are being positioned not just as repositories of art, history, and natural science, but also as air-conditioned sanctuaries during hot weather. This allows residents and visitors to seek refuge from extreme temperatures and explore the diverse exhibitions housed within the city's cultural institutions. All participating museums will offer air-conditioned exhibition spaces, seating areas, and quiet zones for visitors.

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With regard to the current hot weekend, the city of Erfurt has decided at short notice to open the doors of the houses free of charge.

The free admission applies to several of Erfurt's cultural sites, including the Angermuseum, Kunsthalle, Schlossmuseum Molsdorf, Stadtmuseum 'Haus zum Stockfisch,' and the Naturkundemuseum. Additionally, the Alte Synagoge, Museum für Thüringer Volkskunde, Galerie Waidspeicher, and the Erinnerungsort Topf & Söhne are included in the offer. The policy will be enacted on any day the German Weather Service forecasts a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius or higher for Erfurt.

This program is initially set to run through Sunday, aligning with current weather predictions for a significant heat event. Erfurt's initiative mirrors similar programs in other German cities like Aachen and Deggendorf, which also offer free museum access during heatwaves. Basel, Switzerland, has a similar model, opening its Kunstmuseum for free to elderly individuals during extreme heat. The city of Erfurt plans to continue this policy in the future, provided the DWD forecasts such high temperatures.

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Museums are more than places of art, history, or natural science. On hot days, they are also air-conditioned retreats that offer protection from dangerous heat.