Museum Blumenstein
Solothurn
Museum Blumenstein is housed in the historic Blumenstein Castle, a Régence style estate built between 1725 and 1729 in Solothurn, Switzerland. Originally constructed as a summer residence for Governor Franz Heinrich von Stäffis-Mollondin, the estate features a terraced park and refined architecture contrasting a restrained exterior with richly decorated interiors. The museum, opened in 1952, presents the history of Solothurn and surrounding communities through permanent and temporary exhibitions. Visitors can explore the lifestyle of the Solothurn patriciate and the everyday life of their employees via a furnished residential display on the ground floor. The upper floor hosts exhibitions on regional history, complemented by public events such as lectures and concerts held in the representative rooms. The museum is part of Solothurn’s cultural offerings alongside the Kunstmuseum and Naturmuseum, providing a comprehensive insight into the area's heritage. Although the surrounding gardens have been mostly built over in the 20th century, remnants like garden pavilions and the historic orangery remain. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural destination for visitors interested in Swiss history and aristocratic life.
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Astuce: The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays and some holidays. Admission is free, and some rooms can be rented for private events. Visiting during special events or workshops, such as family Easter egg hunts or concerts, can enrich the experience. It's advisable to check the official website for updated opening hours and event schedules before visiting.
Faits intéressants
- •Blumenstein Castle is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
- •The estate originally covered 20 hectares but much of the land was sold and built over in the 20th century.
- •The museum's collection began forming in the 1860s and was relocated to Blumenstein in 1952.
- •The estate's architecture features a hidden staircase for servants, reflecting 18th-century comfort needs.
- •The orangery from 1721 was converted into a double residential house in the 1920s.
Histoire
The estate known as Blumenstein was originally a landholding from the early 17th century, expanded by the Greder family.
In 1725, Franz Heinrich von Stäffis-Mollondin demolished the old house except for the vaulted cellar and rebuilt the estate in the Régence style, completing it by 1729.
Ownership passed through several families, including the von Stäffis-Mollondin and von St.
Aubin families, before being sold at auction in 1928 due to insolvency.
In 1951, the municipality of Solothurn purchased the estate and opened the Historical Museum of Solothurn in 1952.
Since then, the museum has preserved the estate and its cultural heritage, adapting it to modern museum functions while retaining its historic character.
Guide du lieu
Ground Floor Residential Exhibition18th century
This exhibition recreates the living environment of the Solothurn patriciate and contrasts it with the everyday life of their employees, offering visitors a glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic and servant lifestyles.
Upper Floor Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions
The upper floor hosts exhibitions focusing on the regional history of Solothurn and its surroundings, including rotating displays that highlight different historical themes and artifacts.
Representative Rooms1725-1729
The elegant rooms on the ground floor are used for public events such as lectures, concerts, and private functions, showcasing the estate's cultural and architectural heritage.
Contact
Téléphone: 032 626 93 93