Glockenmuseum Stiftskirche Herrenberg

About the museum

The idea of setting up a bell museum in the west tower of the Protestant Stiftskirche in Herrenberg goes back to the then dean, Dieter Eisenhardt, who proposed it in 1986. In 1990, the museum opened in the belfry of the Gothic westwork, initially with eleven bells. Volunteers, organized since 1992 in the Herrenberger Bauhütte, built the bell frames and mountings largely on their own; in 1994 the Verein zur Erhaltung der Stiftskirche Herrenberg (association for the preservation of the church) took over as operator.

What makes Herrenberg special: the bells are not silent display pieces but hang in the tower ready to ring, tuned to a sequence of notes spanning almost three octaves – according to the museum, the most extensive church peal in Germany. The collection spans around twelve centuries, from a replica of a Carolingian bell and the Armsünderglocke (Poor Sinner's Bell) from the early 13th century, considered the oldest surviving bell in Württemberg, to new castings from the 20th and 21st centuries. Many historic pieces come from churches in Germany's former eastern territories.

After World War II, the peal grew step by step, adding among others the large Gloriosa of 1965 and several bells cast around the turn of the millennium. Since 2012, a carillon with 50 bells has complemented the ensemble; at bell concerts, historic bells, combinations, and the carillon ring out together.

In early 2023, the museum had to close because fire safety regulations require a protected room and a completely renewed electrical system in the tower. The operating association is raising donations for this; construction is not to begin until funding of just over €400,000 is secured.

Highlights

• Over 35 ringable bronze bells from around twelve centuries in the church tower
• Armsünderglocke (Poor Sinner's Bell) from the early 13th century – the oldest surviving bell in Württemberg
• Guldenglocke from 1602 and Mittagsglocke (Noon Bell) from the 15th century
• Carillon with 50 bells (since 2012)
• Bell concerts that can be heard throughout Herrenberg's old town

Permanent exhibitions

• Glockenstube im Westturm der Stiftskirche – Ringable peal with historic and new bells from twelve centuries, plus the 50-bell carillon – currently not regularly accessible due to fire safety requirements.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Verein zur Erhaltung der Stiftskirche Herrenberg e. V.

Admission & discounts

Prices according to the museum website; the museum is currently closed, terms for private visits on request.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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 museum in the church tower can only be reached via steep stairs. A few accessible parking spaces near the church.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit