Museum Altomünster

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The idea for a museum in Altomünster arose in 1989 within the local museum and local history association. Instead of a conventional local history museum, the plan was a museum devoted to the convent that had shaped the town: since 1497, Bridgettine nuns had lived here, members of the order founded by Bridget of Sweden in the 14th century. In 1994, the association took over two dilapidated buildings directly behind the convent, including a former locksmith's workshop, on a long-term hereditary lease and renovated them largely through its own labor.

The museum opened in 1997, marking the 500th anniversary of the Bridgettine order's arrival. It received the Bavarian Museum Prize in 2001; since 2013, an agreement with the market town of Altomünster has secured the continued operation of the volunteer-run museum. The convent itself was dissolved in early 2017, after only very few sisters were still living there.

In the basement, in a calm, blue-toned room, the permanent exhibition tells of Bridget's life, her visions and her commitment to peace and justice, with models, sculptures and life-size figures in religious habits. The upper floor is devoted to the history of the convent, its Baroque heyday and daily convent life, including a re-created nun's cell. A Baroque painting of St. Bridget from around 1720, reacquired in 2015, is among the most important pieces. Several times a year, the museum also presents temporary exhibitions, for example featuring contemporary art or historical photographs from the town.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on the life and visions of St. Bridget
• Re-created convent cell with original furnishings
• Baroque painting of St. Bridget from around 1720
• Audio guide with ten stops on the history of the convent
• Changing art exhibitions

Permanent exhibitions

• Birgitta von Schweden und das Kloster Altomünster – The life and visions of the order's founder as well as the history and daily life of the Bridgettine convent, spread across two levels.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Museums- und Heimatverein Altomünster e. V.

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Small museum shop.

Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit