Museum der Schwalm

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum's origins go back to 1911, when Heinrich Schwalm and Harry Heußner began collecting objects documenting the folk culture of the Schwalm region. The Museum der Schwalm opened on October 13, 1927, initially in rented rooms, and in 1938 it moved into the "Steinerne Haus" (Stone House) in Ziegenhain. The three-winged building with its stair tower dates back to a castle retainers' residence from the 14th century and was remodeled between 1659 and 1661 for the fortress commander.

During World War II the collections were moved to safe storage, and the building was used as housing for a time. In 1949 the Schwälmer Heimatbund (Schwalm heritage association) took over the museum and reopened it in June of that year, initially with just two rooms; today the entire building is used for exhibitions.

The focus is on the colorful Schwalm costume, which was named "Costume of the Year" in 2009, and on the delicate Schwalm whitework embroidery, now recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Reconstructed potter's and shoemaker's workshops, farmhouse furniture, a kitchen, and a bedroom from around 1900 illustrate rural life. A large model shows the Ziegenhain water fortress, built in the 16th century, as it looked in 1761, complemented by weapons dating back as far as the Thirty Years' War. The museum also displays Stone Age finds from the region and paintings by the Willingshausen artists' colony. Special exhibitions that change every year, readings, and markets keep the museum lively.

Highlights

• Schwalm costume shown in individual pieces and figure groups
• Schwalm whitework embroidery
• Large model of the Ziegenhain water fortress (as of 1761)
• Paintings by the Willingshausen artists' colony
• Reconstructed potter's and shoemaker's workshops
• Wedding room in the Willingshausen Hall

Permanent exhibitions

• Schwälmer Tracht und Volkskunde – The costume is presented by age and occasion, complemented by workshops, flax processing, and rural living quarters from around 1900.
• Wasserfestung Ziegenhain – A large model and weapons tell the story of the Hessian state fortress built in the 16th century.

Founded

1927

Operated by

Schwälmer Heimatbund e.V.

Admission & discounts

Members of the Schwälmer Heimatbund get free admission (except for special events). The museum participates in the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card) program. An English-language visitor guide is included in the admission price.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

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

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books on traditional costume, white embroidery, and local history as well as art prints.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil wedding ceremonies in the Willingshausen Hall; wedding packages with a champagne reception in the Kunstkabinett or a rustic reception in the Lüderkeller or museum courtyard, with carillon and piano on request.

Plan your visit