Freedom fight 500 years ago: New exhibition opened in Worms!

Freedom fight 500 years ago: New exhibition opened in Worms!

A new special exhibition is opening in the Worms City Museum, which is all about the fight for freedom 500 years ago. The exhibition “The Air of Freedom”, named after a quote by the humanist Ulrich von Hutten, runs from July 4th to November 2nd, 2025 and focuses on the striking 500th anniversary of the Peasants’ Battle near Pfeddersheim. This not only takes into account the historical event that concluded the Peasants' War in the Palatinate and Rhenish Hesse, but also the associated social upheavals and the development of democracy and civil liberties up to the present day. The desire for self-determination plays a central role, which also points to the historical connections to personalities such as Franz von Sickingen and Ulrich von Hutten.

At the opening, Culture Minister Katharina Binz highlighted the enormous impact of these events on history and emphasized the importance of thinking about civil liberties. Curator Olaf Mückain emphasized the important role that Worms played in the Reformation period. Martin Luther's famous appearance took place here in 1521, which stirred up the spirits and laid the foundation for many of the farmers' later demands. “With this exhibition, we would like to give visitors a vivid picture of the time and show how the farmers’ uprising still resonates today,” Mückain continued.

A look into the past

The exhibition takes a comprehensive look at the harbingers, background and end of the Peasants' War. The period of the early 16th century was a time of upheaval and unrest in the Holy Roman Empire, marked by the reform movements of Martin Luther, which fell on fertile ground among both knights and farmers. In 1522 the first knights rose up against their sovereigns, but were unsuccessful. By 1524 at the latest, the farmers felt the oppressive feudal taxes and compulsory labor and also began to revolt. The rebellion that began in Nußdorf quickly spread and numerous towns and lords joined the Palatinate Peasants' Alliance.

The decisive conflict, the Battle of Pfeddersheim, however, represented the final end for the farmers, who were defeated by the superior princes. The Peasants' War was thus dampened, but the demands for better living conditions and more rights remained anchored in society.

Visitor Information

The exhibition is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including public holidays. Particularly worth mentioning are the reduced entry prices of 7.00 euros for adults, 5.00 euros for concessions and 15.00 euros for families - children up to 12 years of age have free entry. Discounts are offered for groups of 10 or more, and access to the building is barrier-free. For anyone traveling by public transport, the Marktplatz/Petersstraße and Worms Hbf stops are conveniently close by.

The exhibition “The Air of Freedom” is not only a look back at an important chapter in German history, but also an impetus for reflection on the inherent values ​​and rights that many fought for then and now. This means that Worms will once again become an important place of historical culture in which the past is kept alive.

Further information about the exhibition can be found on the website of Worms.de, Museum portal Rhineland-Palatinate and University of Würzburg.