At the Marktplatz (the central square) you encounter Nationaldenkmal Brüder Grimm, a memorial erected in 1898 to the famous brothers. More Grimm memorabilia is found at Schloss Philippsruhe & Schlosspark at Philippsruher Allee 45 (tel. 06181/20209; www.museen-hanau.de), open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm, charging 2.50€ for adults and 1.50€ for children. A short ride on bus no. 10 delivers you to the castle. The baroque castle, with its extensive park and orangery, was built on the banks of the Main River at the beginning of the 18th century. Today it houses the Hanau Historical Museum with splendid rooms, including some devoted to relics of the Brothers Grimm. The attraction's Papiertheatermuseum is a delight for children, presenting paper toy shows for them.

Also opening onto Marktplatz at no. 14 is the Rathaus, dating from the 1700s. Every day at 10am, noon, 4, and 6pm, it honors another celebrated native son, composer Paul Hindemith (1895-1963), by presenting a concert of one of his canons.

The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) stands at Alstädter Markt 6 (tel. 06181/256556; www.museen-hanau.de), open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to noon and 2 to 5pm, charging an admission of 2.50€ for adults or 1.50€ for children. It was the town hall from 1537 to 1900, but today is home to the Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus (German Goldsmiths' House). This museum celebrates Hanau's history beginning in the latter 18th century when it became one of the German centers for goldsmiths. The museum has a permanent collection of silver and gold artifacts and also hosts changing exhibitions.

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