Saarländisches Uhrenmuseum

About the museum

The Uhrmachers Haus in the Püttlingen district of Köllerbach was built around 1815 on the site of the former sheep farm of Burg Bucherbach. For generations the Frantz family (later Franz) lived and worked here as blacksmiths, farmers and clockmakers; from the 18th century, for example, the so-called Frantzen clock has survived. With the death of Otto Wilhelm Franz, the clockmaking tradition ended in 1985, and the listed property passed to the town of Püttlingen.

After renovation, the Freundeskreis alter Uhrmacherkunst e. V. was founded in 1989, and a first clock exhibition in the annex attracted more than 10,000 guests. On November 6, 1992, the Saarländisches Uhrenmuseum opened. At first the Saarland clockmakers' guild provided loans; after it was dissolved, the volunteer association filled gaps in the collection through its own purchases.

Today the museum shows over a thousand objects on the development of timekeeping from antiquity to the present: elemental, tower and ornate clocks, alarm clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches, up to an atomic clock. The Franz family's workshop is preserved with workbenches, machines and tools, and a Black Forest room is devoted to cuckoo and flute clocks. A digital information system with touchscreens explains the pieces; in front of the house are a sundial garden and a farmhouse garden.

Highlights

• Original clockmaker's workshop of the Franz family
• Ornate clocks, including a clock with a procession of apostles and a ball-run clock
• Elemental and tower clocks
• Black Forest room with cuckoo and flute clocks
• Over 300 egg timers in the media room
• Sundial garden in front of the house

Permanent exhibitions

• Zeitmessung von der Antike bis zur Gegenwart – Tour through several rooms with elemental, tower and ornate clocks, alarm clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches up to the atomic clock, explained by a digital information system.
• Uhrmacherwerkstatt – The former workshop and shop of the Franz clockmaking family with original workbenches, machines and a comprehensive collection of clockmaking tools.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Freundeskreis alter Uhrmacherkunst e. V.

Director

Ferdinand Mesarosch

Admission & discounts

Guided tours during opening hours are free, a donation is requested. School classes are guided free of charge by registration and pay €2 admission per child. SaarlandCard is accepted, card payment possible.

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

There are steps at several doors, for which a mobile ramp is available. The restroom can only be reached by stairs and is not accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Every year the museum takes part in the summer vacation program of the town of Püttlingen with crafts and discovery activities (registration through the town). Children under six have free admission.

Getting there & parking

GPS destination: In der Schäferei, Püttlingen.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop in the media room.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit