Deutsches Hirtenmuseum

About the museum

There were plans for a museum in Hersbruck as early as 1905, but not until 1926 did Paul Holzmann offer the town his property in the Eisenhüttlein together with a local history collection. The local historian Rudolf Wetzer, who long directed the house on a volunteer basis, called together the village herdsmen of the surrounding area; their donations gave the museum its thematic direction, and the meeting gave rise to the Hirtentag (Shepherds' Day), still celebrated on January 6. 1933 is considered the actual founding year of the "Heimat- und Hirtenmuseum."

The museum occupies a listed half-timbered ensemble with a 16th-century farmer-townsman's house, inner courtyard, barn, and garden. From 1938, evidence of international shepherd cultures was added. During and after the war, parts of the building served as emergency housing, and from 1955 it was expanded again; in the 1960s the present museum barn was added.

Under full-time management since 1989, the museum was reoriented entirely toward herding in the 1990s and renamed Deutsches Hirtenmuseum. In 2009 the interactive exhibition "Mensch und Tier" opened in the renovated barn, in 2013 a historic leather goods shop was installed, and in 2023 a section on the goat. The collection includes around 400 painted bell straps of Franconian cattle herders, cowbells along with a built-in bell forge, and local history holdings on the fire brigade, hop growing, and everyday culture.

Highlights

• Around 400 painted bell straps of Franconian cattle herders
• Built-in bell forge and numerous cowbells
• Hands-on exhibition "Mensch und Tier" in the museum barn
• Shepherd costumes and tools from Europe and Africa
• Faithfully reconstructed leather goods shop "Leder-Soergel" (guided tour only)
• Goat section with interactive stations

Permanent exhibitions

• Hirtenkultur in Franken und weltweit – The historical collection in the main building tells of the everyday life of Franconian village herdsmen with bell straps, cowbells, and a forge, and shows shepherd cultures of other countries as well as the town history of Hersbruck.
• Mensch und Tier – Interactive exhibition on the third floor of the museum barn on the coexistence of people and farm animals, with many stations to try out.
• Die Ziege – Section in the main building on the goat as a farm animal, fairy-tale figure, and symbolic creature, with smelling, listening, and touching stations.

Founded

1933

Operated by

Stadt Hersbruck

Director

Ingrid M. Pflaum

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The historic building is not accessible for people in wheelchairs or with walking disabilities. For senior homes and care facilities, the museum offers talks and hands-on activities on site under the title "Das Museum zu Besuch" (The Museum Visits You).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

In the exhibition "Mensch und Tier," children can try out an ox harness at hands-on stations, feel wool, or weave; in the goat section there are pelts to pet and listening stations. Children's birthday parties (max. 10 children aged 5 and up, 2.5 hrs., except Sundays) with themes such as Stone Age, felting, or treasure hunt.

Getting there & parking

Bicycles can be parked in the museum garden during your visit.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi: not available

The tavern "Zum ESPAN" in the inner courtyard has served only groups by advance registration since 2022 and provides catering for celebrations. No Wi-Fi in the building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Hall on the second floor of the museum barn for celebrations, conferences, and company parties (especially in the summer months), with inner courtyard and garden on request. Civil weddings via the Hersbruck registry office. Catering by the ESPAN team or your own caterer.

Plan your visit