Waffenmuseum Suhl, Suhl

The Suhl Weapons Museum presents the technical development of small arms in the historic Malzhaus in the middle of the city of Suhl. It is one of the most important specialized museums in Germany.

In 1668, the town built the lower malt house directly on the Lauter River because of the danger of fire. The three-winged complex has continuous vaulted cellars, on which there is a massive basement, a half-timbered upper floor and a steep roof truss. After the loss of the brewing rights in the 19th century, a conversion for residential purposes followed. Since another extensive reconstruction in 1971, the building has been used as a municipal weapons museum.

The weapons collection shows the almost 600-year history of Suhl's handgun manufacturing on three floors. Visitors are informed about the complete production of weapons manufacturing, starting from mining, iron ore extraction, the work of shafters, armorers and engravers. More than 460 weapons and many other exhibits are displayed in the rooms of the museum.

In the Weapons Museum there is also a section showing porcelain production in Suhl in the period from 1861 to 1930.

From 2000 to 2006, the museum was headed by military historian Thomas Müller.