Saarländisches Uhrenmuseum

About the museum

The Saarland Clock Museum is housed in "Uhrmachers Haus" (Clockmaker's House) in Püttlingen-Köllerbach. The building was erected in the early 19th century on the grounds of the former sheepfold of Bucherbach Castle. A family of clockmakers, the Frantz or Franz family, lived there for generations; its last member, Otto Wilhelm Franz, died in 1985. After his widow died in 1988, the town of Püttlingen took over the property.

In 1989 the Freundeskreis alter Uhrmacherkunst e.V. (Friends of Antique Clockmaking) was founded; it built up the museum and has run it on a volunteer basis ever since. The Saarland Clock Museum opened on November 6, 1992. At first the Saarland clockmakers' guild supplied loans for the exhibition; after the guild was dissolved, the museum bought missing pieces so that the history of timekeeping could be shown as completely as possible.

The collection ranges from elementary clocks of antiquity through tower and display clocks, alarm clocks and pocket watches, up to the atomic clock. Further areas include a clockmaker's workshop, the Schwarzwaldstube (Black Forest Room) with an information system, and a media room. A digital guide system with touch monitors complements personal tours by volunteer guides, and once a year the friends' association holds a clock fair.

Highlights

• Elementary clocks from antiquity to the present
• Display clocks with an apostle procession, a Comtoise and a ball-rolling clock
• Tower clocks, alarm clocks and pocket watches up to the atomic clock
• Clockmaker's workshop with historical tools
• Black Forest Room with videos on cuckoo and flute clocks
• Digital guidance via touch monitors and personal tours

Permanent exhibitions

• Geschichte der Zeitmessung – Elementary clocks from antiquity, tower and display clocks, alarm, pocket and wristwatches up to the atomic clock, plus the workshop and the Black Forest Room.
• Prunkuhren – The display-clock room includes, among others, a clock with an apostle procession, a Comtoise from the time of the French Revolution and a ball-rolling clock.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Freundeskreis alter Uhrmacherkunst e. V.

Admission & discounts

The Saarland-Card is accepted, and card payment is possible. Guided tours during regular opening hours are free; the museum asks for a donation.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• 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 historic building has steps at several doors, for which a mobile ramp is available. The toilet can only be reached by stairs and is not accessible for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Each year the museum takes part in the town of Püttlingen's holiday program with craft activities for children (free admission, €5 materials fee, registration through the town). School classes are guided after registration.

Getting there & parking

For the navigation device, enter "In der Schäferei Püttlingen".

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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