Sammlung Philippi
Private collection of more than 500 religious head coverings from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and other religions in Tholey.
About the museum
Saarland entrepreneur Dieter Philippi began collecting the head coverings of clergy and believers in the 2000s; it all started with a cardinal's biretta made of scarlet moiré silk. This grew into what he describes as a collection unique in the world, with more than 500 pieces from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Caodaism, Sufism and other faith communities.
It is complemented by more than 100 liturgical and clerical accessories, including papal shoes, pontifical gloves, pallia, pectoral crosses, bishops' rings, papal porcelain and cassock sashes. A book about the collection was published in 2009. In 2010 and 2011, parts of it were shown in exhibitions at the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden, in Saarbrücken and at the LWL-Industriemuseum Henrichshütte in Hattingen. In 2011 Philippi also had a tiara made for Pope Benedict XVI and presented it to him.
For a long time the collection was kept privately in Kirkel. For a permanent display, a building on Metzer Straße in Tholey was refurbished, opposite the Benedictine Abbey of St. Mauritius, considered the oldest monastery in Germany. The opening was first announced for 2022, then for the end of 2023. The collection's website now describes it as open to the public but does not yet give fixed opening hours; visits and guided tours are available by arrangement.
Highlights
- More than 500 head coverings from over ten religions and faith communities
- Miters, birettas and skullcaps of Christian dignitaries
- Papal and episcopal accessories such as shoes, gloves, pallia and papal porcelain
- Head coverings from Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Shintoism
- Location opposite Tholey Abbey with its choir windows by Gerhard Richter
Permanent exhibitions
- Klerikale und religiöse Kopfbedeckungen aus aller Welt – Head coverings from numerous religions and faith communities show how believers and dignitaries cover their heads in everyday life and in worship; they are joined by accessories that introduce the symbolism of clerical vestments. On view by arrangement, usually with commentary from the collector.
- Operated by
- Dieter Philippi (Privatsammlung)
Admission & discounts
| Groups | –Group tours by arrangement; terms on request. |
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No admission prices published; terms for visits and guided tours on request.
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
No accessibility information published; please ask when arranging your visit.
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
No information on visitor facilities published. The collection is opposite the Benedictine abbey of Tholey; its visitor center with tourist information is at Römerallee 5.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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