Heimatmuseum Schwarzbubenland

About the museum

The idea of a regional museum for the Schwarzbubenland had been maturing for some time when the Catholic parish of Dornach consecrated a new church on Bruggweg in 1939 and no longer needed its old village church of St. Mauritius. The Canton of Solothurn acquired the building and contributed it to the Stiftung Heimatmuseum des Schwarzbubenlandes, established on 12 July 1940. The driving forces included the poet and almanac writer Albin Fringeli, Dr. Otto Kaiser and Emil Wiggli. Because of the Second World War and extensive conversion and renovation work, the museum could not open until 11 June 1949.

The church is first documented in writing in 1301, was badly damaged in the great Basel earthquake of 1356 and survived the Battle of Dornach of 1499 almost unscathed. After it had fallen into disrepair towards the end of the 18th century, it was fundamentally rebuilt and enlarged in 1784; the entrance portal was designed by the church builder G. M. Pisoni. Today the building is a listed monument and is maintained by the foundation.

The collection ranges from archaeological finds and fossils from the estate of the geologist Amanz Gressly, through church art such as a statue of Nepomuk from around 1735, a baptismal font from 1470 and painted altar wings, to relics of the Battle of Dornach. A newer exhibition hall displays historical agricultural implements. The museum receives no subsidies and is financed mainly through contributions from the municipalities of the Schwarzbubenland and its circle of friends.

Highlights

• Old village church of St. Mauritius, first mentioned in 1301 and rebuilt in 1784
• Archaeological finds and fossils from the collection of Amanz Gressly
• Church art such as the Nepomuk statue (around 1735) and a baptismal font from 1470
• Documentation on the Battle of Dornach of 1499
• Historical agricultural implements in the new exhibition hall

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung zur Regionalgeschichte – In the former village church, the museum shows archaeological finds, fossils, church art and relics of the Battle of Dornach; a new hall is devoted to historical agricultural implements.

Founded

1940

Operated by

Stiftung Heimatmuseum des Schwarzbubenlandes

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum can be rented for events such as aperitifs or concerts.

Plan your visit