Museum Lindwurm
Schaffhausen
Museum Lindwurm is a cultural history museum located in the old town of Stein am Rhein, in the canton of Schaffhausen, Switzerland. It occupies a historic building originally dated to 1279, with a classical façade added in 1819/1820. The museum presents a detailed reconstruction of bourgeois living and agricultural work around 1850, spread over 1500 square meters. Visitors can explore authentic rooms such as a parlor, kitchen, children's room with toys, and an artist's dedicated space honoring local painter Hermann Knecht. The rear building includes a stable for farm animals and utility rooms, reflecting rural life of the period. The museum aims to create a hyperrealistic impression as if the inhabitants had just left, illustrating not only daily life but also broader societal developments of the 19th century. It also hosts special cultural history exhibitions and contemporary art interventions, enriching the visitor experience. The museum is part of the Jakob and Emma Windler Foundation’s cultural institutions, preserving local heritage with care and authenticity.
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Tip: The best time to visit Museum Lindwurm is during the warmer months when Stein am Rhein's old town is lively and accessible. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and cultural events. Visitors can benefit from regional museum passes or combined tickets with other local cultural sites. The museum offers guided tours that enhance understanding of the exhibits and historical context. Check the official website for current opening hours and any temporary exhibitions.
Interesting facts
- •The name "Lindwurm" is an archaic German word for "dragon."
- •Dendrochronological analysis dates the building's origins to 1279, making it one of the oldest structures in Stein am Rhein.
- •The museum features a dedicated room honoring Hermann Knecht, a local painter from Stein am Rhein.
- •The 1947/1948 renovations relocated architectural elements like arcade columns and Renaissance doors to create a cohesive historic atmosphere.
- •The museum’s presentation style aims for "hyperrealistic" scenes, as if the 19th-century inhabitants had just left the house.
History
The building housing Museum Lindwurm dates back to 1279, as confirmed by dendrochronological studies of its basement ceiling beams.
Originally named "Lindwurm," an old term for dragon, the house has undergone several changes over centuries.
In 1712, the rear building was added as a stable and utility structure, while the front façade was remodeled in a classical style around 1819/1820.
The Gnehm family acquired the house in 1853, with Robert Gnehm being a notable owner around 1900.
The house remained largely preserved in its 19th-century character as it was seldom used as a primary residence.
In 1947/1948, architect Wolfgang Müller renovated the building, conserving its historic fabric and enhancing it to reflect the era authentically.
Converted into a museum in the early 1990s, it opened to the public in 1993 following a concept by ethnologist Peter Bretscher.
Place Guide
Beletage and Living Rooms19th century
The main floor features a street-facing parlor, a side room, a combined living and sleeping room, and a kitchen at the rear. These rooms showcase bourgeois domestic life around 1850 with authentic furnishings and household items.
Artist Hermann Knecht Room19th-20th century
A special room is dedicated to Hermann Knecht, a painter from Stein am Rhein, featuring reproductions of his works and biographical information.
Rear Building – Stable and Utility Rooms1712
The rear building, constructed in 1712, contains a stable for cows, pigs, and chickens, a servants' chamber, grain storage, and a carriage house, illustrating the agricultural lifestyle connected to the bourgeois household.
Attic Storage
The attic houses items not in daily use, such as sleds, outdated furniture, and wood supplies, providing insight into household management and seasonal needs of the time.
Contact
Phone: 052 741 25 12