Historisches Museum Bischofszell

About the museum

The museum’s origins go back to 1881: members of the Literaria decided to collect antiquarian objects, and a cabinet of curiosities took shape in the town library. In 1925 the Museumsgesellschaft Bischofszell was founded; the collection moved to the Bürgerspital and was later on display for about forty years in the east wing of Bischofszell Castle. From 1950 onward the space became too tight, and a depot was set up.

In 1972 the Historisches Museum opened in the Haus Laager, and in 1999 the neighboring Haus Munz was added. The two listed houses on Marktgasse date from the mid-18th century and are attributed to the master builders Grubenmann. The Haus Laager was the residence of a wealthy linen merchant; in 1905 it passed to the manufacturer Gustav Laager, who had it remodeled in the Art Nouveau style, and his son Victor Laager gave it to the town.

In more than 20 rooms, the museum shows middle-class domestic culture from the Late Gothic period to the 20th century. The newly designed exhibition “Bischofszeller Stadtgeschichte kompakt” traces the history of the town through more than 120 objects, and a town model allows visitors to take a walk through Bischofszell in miniature. Further highlights are the Zellweger ceramics collection, a pharmacy from 1892 with a drugstore room, and a large toy collection. The museum is run by the Museumsgesellschaft Bischofszell with volunteer helpers and belongs to the Verband der Museen der Schweiz.

Highlights

• Middle-class domestic culture from the Late Gothic period to the 20th century in more than 20 rooms
• “Bischofszeller Stadtgeschichte kompakt” with more than 120 objects
• Town model for a walk through Bischofszell in miniature
• Zellweger ceramics collection and extensive toy collection
• Pharmacy from 1892 and drugstore room
• Museum café in the middle-class dining room of the 1920s

Permanent exhibition

• Wohnkultur und Stadtgeschichte Bischofszell – Middle-class domestic culture from the Late Gothic period to the 20th century in two Grubenmann houses, plus town history, a town model, ceramics, a pharmacy and toys.

Founded

1925

Operated by

Museumsgesellschaft Bischofszell

Director

Corina Tresch De Luca

Admission & discounts

With a KulturLegi card, a 50% reduction. Free admission for members of the Museumsgesellschaft and with a Raiffeisen bank card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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

According to the museum, both houses are wheelchair-accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum also sees itself as a meeting place for families; the large toy collection from the 19th and 20th centuries appeals to young and old alike. The annual program regularly includes family and children’s events.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the center of the old town next to the Bogenturm, about a five-minute walk from the train station.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Museum café in the Laagerstube, and outdoors on Marktgasse in good weather; open during opening hours, run by volunteers.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The event rooms Schniderbudig and Gewölbekeller, as well as the Rosengarten, are managed by the Museumsgesellschaft and can be booked even during the winter break. The museum rooms can be used for photo and video shoots on request (base fee CHF 50 plus CHF 50 for each started half hour).

Plan your visit