Gipsmuseum Schleitheim

About the museum

The Gypsum Museum was privately set up in 1938 by the last operators of the gypsum mine, the community of heirs of the Stamm printing family, and opened on 24 April 1938. Walter Ulrich Guyan, later director of the Museum zu Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen, was instrumental in its creation. As early as 1935/36 the first visitors were led through the tunnel. The museum was intended to keep alive the memory of the Schleitheim gypsum industry of the 18th to 20th centuries, which finally came to an end in 1944.

In 1962 the heirs handed over the land and buildings together with the museum collection to the municipality of Schleitheim, with the request that a foundation be established. This foundation for the promotion of the gypsum mine and gypsum museum has existed since 1992. From 1990 to 1992 the collapsed tunnel was restored, in 1996 the museum was completely redesigned, and in 2007 some display cases in the mill section were given a new concept. Since 2011 the site has been listed in the inventory of geotopes of national importance.

The exhibition uses maps and profiles to explain how the gypsum rock formed about 240 million years ago in the Triassic, shows 19th-century tools, and presents the burning and grinding of gypsum in the stamping mill and the mill. The highlight is the only gypsum mine tunnel in the region that visitors can walk through; a ride on the tunnel railway is now also available there. The museum is run by volunteers and the association Gipsstolle Schlaate.

Highlights

• Walkable gypsum mine tunnel with the “Tonhalle” cavern
• New: ride on the tunnel railway into the tunnel
• Geotope of national importance
• Exhibition on the geology, mining and uses of gypsum
• Gypsum mill and 19th-century tools

Permanent exhibitions

• Gipsmuseum – Two rooms show the geology, tools, the burning and grinding of gypsum and its many uses in construction, art, medicine and agriculture.
• Gipsbergwerkstollen mit Stollenbahn – The only gypsum tunnel in the region that visitors can walk through, with a secured and illuminated circuit as far as the “Tonhalle” cavern.

Founded

1938

Operated by

Stiftung zur Förderung des Gipsbergwerkes und des Gipsmuseums Schleitheim

Admission & discounts

Tickets for the rides on the open day of the gypsum mine must be booked online in advance.

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 temperature in the tunnel is about 10 °C; sturdy footwear and suitable clothing are recommended.

Kids & families

A family ticket is available; children aged 6 and over pay the child rate. School classes can use the barbecue area and seating.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

A barbecue area with seating is available for school classes and clubs; registered groups can be offered an aperitif with Schleitheim specialities in the “Tonhalle” in the tunnel or outdoors on request.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit