Waldensermuseum Schönenberg
Museum of the Deutsche Waldenservereinigung in the residence of the pastor Henri Arnaud in Ötisheim-Schönenberg on the history of the Waldensians.
About the museum
The Waldensians, a Protestant religious movement from the Alpine valleys of Piedmont dating back to the Middle Ages, were expelled from their homeland in 1698. Under the leadership of the pastor Henri Arnaud, several thousand of them found refuge in Württemberg and Hesse and founded their own villages, including Schönenberg. Around 1701/02, Arnaud had a half-timbered house built here as a residence and parsonage, opposite today's Henri-Arnaud-Kirche.
The Deutsche Waldenservereinigung, founded in 1936, acquired the listed building and opened it in 1939 as a memorial and center of the German Waldensians. To this day it houses their administrative office, an archive, and a library with around 10,000 books and articles on Waldensian history.
In the old living rooms, the museum shows furniture, tools, and traditional costumes as well as printed Bibles, hymnals, and documents that tell the story of the movement from the Middle Ages through persecution and exile to the present. A film introduces the history of the house and the Waldensians. Behind the building is a memorial garden with old gravestones; every year on May 1, descendants and friends meet for a festival on the grounds between the house and the church.
Highlights
- Residence of the Waldensian pastor Henri Arnaud from 1701/02
- Historic living rooms with furniture and traditional costumes
- Printed Bibles and hymnal collection
- Introductory film on Waldensian history
- Garden of Remembrance with Waldensian gravestones
Permanent exhibitions
- Geschichte der Waldenser – Documents, pictures, everyday objects, and historic rooms tell of the persecution, flight, and new beginnings of the Waldensians up to the present.
- Founded
- 1939
- Operated by
- Deutsche Waldenservereinigung e. V.
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
|---|---|
| Groups (10+ people) | €3 per personTour for adult groups: €60 base fee plus €3 per person; school classes and confirmation groups €2 per person. |
Admission is free for individuals; a donation at the entrance is requested.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Kindergartens, school classes, and confirmation groups are accompanied through the museum with a tour.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
- Wi-Fi
Museum Wi-Fi for the online audio guide.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Multilingual online audio guide on your own smartphone (code available from the museum attendant). Tours only by registration and not on Sundays; allow about 60–90 minutes for a tour. Kindergartens, school classes, and confirmation groups only with a tour. Registration Tue and Thu 9:00–11:00 at 07041 7436 or by email. |
