Narrenmuseum Niggelturm

About the museum

The Niggelturm was part of Gengenbach's medieval town fortifications. Until the late 16th century it served as a defensive tower, after that as the town jail; its octagonal top was added only in the late 17th century.

In 1982 the Narrenzunft Gengenbach 1499 e.V. (jesters' guild) set up a museum in the tower on the Gengenbacher Fasend, which belongs to the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht (carnival). The guild still runs the museum on a volunteer basis, and the tower is firmly embedded in the carnival customs: here the Schalk (jester) is awakened at the start of the street carnival.

The tour leads up 132 steps through seven floors. It begins with a multimedia show and a replica jail cell, and shows typical scenes and figures of the Gengenbacher Fasend, a workshop for wooden masks and Häs (costumes), and jester figures from all over southwestern Germany. At the very top, visitors will find changing exhibitions and a panoramic view over the old town and the Kinzig Valley.

Highlights

• Seven floors of carnival history in the medieval town tower
• Life-size figures such as Schalk, Spättlehansel, and witches
• Reconstructed workshop for wooden masks and jester costumes
• Narrenkachel (jester tile) from around 1500 and the first Gengenbach wooden mask
• Viewing balustrade at a height of 36 meters

Permanent exhibitions

• Gengenbacher Fasend auf sieben Stockwerken – Floor by floor, the customs, figures, masks, and jester costumes of the Gengenbach and Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht are presented.

Founded

1982

Operated by

Narrenzunft Gengenbach 1499 e.V.

Admission & discounts

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

The museum is spread over seven floors in the historic tower; 132 steps must be climbed to reach the viewing balustrade.

Kids & families

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

Getting there & parking

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

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit