The Altes Arresthaus, which is the old prison, was built in 1880 and was enhanced in 1904. Today the facility is the home of art and culture.

In cooperation with the city of Mayen, a longstandig cultural programm is offered here. Figures of fairy tales have found shelter within and around the facility.

The Stehbach-gallery offers a place to support art. Next to the exhibitions in the gallery, there are art courses, the international art school, an art studio and the permanent exhibition of "Remembrance of old Mayen" by the local artist Heinrich Thiel (1899-1993).

In the courtyard of the Altes Arresthaus is the "small stage of the Burgfestspiele" located.

In the sommer months you can find a various theatre program here.

The upper floors ot the Altes Arresthaus contains the city archive of the city of Mayen.