Korkenziehermuseum Kaiserstuhl

About the museum

It all started with a flea market find: in 1995 Bernhard Maurer bought his first corkscrew in Vevey on Lake Geneva and then began collecting systematically. In 2003 he opened a museum for his collection in Burkheim am Kaiserstuhl, which describes itself as Germany's first corkscrew museum.

It is housed in the former barn of a winegrower's house in the historic Mittelstadt, which is about as old as the corkscrew itself. The entrance is somewhat hidden on Kirchgässle, behind an inner courtyard. During the conversion, the historic building fabric was deliberately preserved; in 2008 the property was renovated for energy efficiency and expanded. In the rooms above and in the old wine cellar, Maurer runs a shop with products related to wine, cooking, and bar, as well as a gallery with works by cartoonist Peter Gaymann.

The collection comprises more than 1,000 pieces from around three and a half centuries, from rare 18th-century examples to contemporary designer pieces. On display are figural, mechanical, humorous, and risqué models; the variety of mechanisms is reflected in the more than 3,000 patents granted worldwide. On short guided tours, the collector himself tells the stories behind the objects. Readings and exhibition openings round out the program.

Highlights

• More than 1,000 corkscrews from around 350 years
• Figural, mechanical, and risqué models
• Rare pieces from the 18th century
• Entertaining guided tours by collector Bernhard Maurer
• Located in Burkheim's historic Mittelstadt

Permanent exhibitions

• Korkenzieher aus 350 Jahren – Bernhard Maurer's collection showcases the variety of bottle openers, from historic rarities to modern designer pieces.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Bernhard Maurer (Privatmuseum)

Visitors per year

approx. 6,000 (2006)

Admission & discounts

The museum's website does not list prices; information from the town of Vogtsburg (€2, €1.50 with the KONUS guest card). The Badische Zeitung, however, describes admission as free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

According to the Badische Zeitung, the small museum rooms are reached via a narrow staircase.

Kids & families

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

Getting there & parking

By car via the A5, from the north exit Riegel (via Jechtingen to Burkheim), from the south exit Bad Krozingen (via Breisach); in Burkheim follow the signs for "historische Mittelstadt."

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Kaiserstuhlshop on site with products related to wine, cooking, and bar, plus a gallery with posters and books by Peter Gaymann; some corkscrews are for sale.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit