Köpenick Museum was founded in 1929 as the "Heimatschulmuseum" ("Homeland School Museum"). Since 1991, its home has been a large timbered house built at the Alter Markt (Old Market) in 1665 and restored at the end of the 1990s.

In the museum's permanent exhibition, the history of Köpenick and its neighbourhoods is presented chronologically and illustrated using historical objects. In addition to items dating back to the Slavic and Middle Ages, of particular interest are the pieces examining the fishery and washing facilities once located here. 

Other focuses include the founding of Müggelheim, Grünau and Friedrichshagen under König Friedrich II, the development of Köpenick as a recreational destination for Berliners and the industrial history of Oberschöneweide.  

Visitors can also access a comprehensive archive that offers the opportunity to go on an independent journey into history. In the former "counter hall" at City Hall, the museum has also set up an exhibition that tells the story of the legendary "Hauptmann von Köpenick" ("Captain of Köpenick").