Internationales Maskenmuseum

About the museum

The museum goes back to the passion for collecting of the cultural scientist Michael Stöhr, who has been gathering masks from a wide range of cultures since the 1970s. The collection is housed in a former farmhouse in the middle of Diedorf near Augsburg, which was converted into the museum and the attached Haus der Kulturen (House of Cultures).

According to the museum, well over 10,000 worn masks are on display, arranged by region and type of custom: winter customs such as Krampus and Perchten, witches and wild folk, carnival and Fasching masks from Europe, plus masks from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania. A separate section shows playthings made of recycled material.

The Haus der Kulturen complements the museum with studios, course rooms and changing exhibitions in which folklore and ethnological topics are combined with contemporary art. Visits take place as guided tours and only by prior arrangement by telephone. The museum is supported by a recognized non-profit friends' association and, after the death of the collector, is continued by the Stiftung Internationales Maskenmuseum (International Mask Museum Foundation). Ways to contact the museum for financial support, which is also tax-deductible, can be found on the website.

Highlights

• Well over 10,000 worn masks from all the world's cultures
• Winter customs with Krampus, Perchten and Klaubauf masks
• Masks from Africa, Asia, the Americas and the South Seas
• Guided tour of around two hours included
• Haus der Kulturen with studios and courses

Permanent exhibition

• Die Masken – Sammlung des Maskenmuseums – Well over 10,000 worn masks arranged by continent and type of custom, from winter customs in Europe to masks from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania.

Admission & discounts

15 euros per person for 2 or more people. The guided tour of around two hours is included in the price, maximum 12 people per tour.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access to the Maskenmuseum is via an outdoor staircase, and stairs also have to be climbed during the tour; seating for catching your breath is available. The exhibitions in the ground-level Haus der Kulturen can also be visited in a wheelchair (wheelchairs can be borrowed). Touching the masks gives visually impaired visitors alternative ways of perceiving them here as well.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 4+

• Hands-on stations

For children from age 4, even a visit to the "scary masks" of the winter customs is an experience met with great enthusiasm. Almost all masks may be touched, put on and used for selfies; this also helps dispel any existing fears of witches and devils. A spooky course through the roof ridge promises additional thrills for the especially brave.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the middle of Diedorf at the bend of the B300; coming from Augsburg (8 km) it is on the left, directly at the bus stop. From Diedorf station about 5 minutes on foot to the main street towards the town hall.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

Café Niedermeier and Gasthof Adler are about 50 metres away. Tables and chairs are available in the garden and courtyard for food you bring yourself; a grill, microwave and coffee machine are available on request.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit