The Kurpfälzisches Museum, or Palatinate Museum, brings Heidelberg’s history into focus inside Palais Morass, a Baroque palace on the old town’s Hauptstrasse. Despite its religious-place label, this is a museum of art, archaeology and regional history, with collections that trace life in the Palatinate from prehistory to the modern era.
Among its best-known objects is a cast of the Homo heidelbergensis jawbone, discovered in 1907 near Mauer and recognised as a landmark in the study of early humans. Another highlight is Tilman Riemenschneider’s late Gothic Twelve Apostles altarpiece. Religious sculpture and painting sit alongside portraits, decorative arts and archaeological finds, offering a view of Heidelberg beyond its famous castle.
Allow at least 90 minutes for the galleries, and consider a weekday visit if you prefer a quieter look. The museum is an easy stop on a walk through the old town, within reach of the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Neckar. Check current opening hours and admission prices before you go, as schedules and discounts can change.