Museum Obwalden

About the museum

The Museum Obwalden traces its origins to the arsenal built in Sarnen in 1599. When a new arsenal was built on the Landenberg in 1711, the old building lost its importance; in 1856 it was renovated, extended by an additional storey and converted, although the so-called cannon cellar on the ground floor was preserved. It then fell into disrepair for lack of use, and an attempt by the canton to sell it in 1925 was unsuccessful.

The Historisch-Antiquarischer Verein Obwalden proposed using it as a local history museum and cantonal library; both opened in the renovated arsenal on 29 July 1928. In 1970 a caretaker's flat was created, which now serves as the museum office, and in 1980 the cantonal library moved out, giving the museum more space. Since 2001 the association has been called Historischer Verein Obwalden, and the "Heimatmuseum Sarnen" became the "Historisches Museum Obwalden". In 2006 the cannon cellar was cleared and has since been available for special exhibitions and events.

In April 2024 the house was renamed "Museum Obwalden", as part of a transformation that is to culminate in a new permanent exhibition. The previous exhibition showed around 750 objects on two floors, including a fully furnished alpine hut, an alphorn to try out and a collection of votive tablets. Since 1 December 2024 the museum has been closed for extensive renovation and is due to reopen in spring 2027 with the new permanent exhibition.

Highlights

• Former arsenal from 1599 in the centre of Sarnen
• Fully furnished alpine hut and an alphorn to try out
• Collection of votive tablets
• Around 750 objects on two floors (previous exhibition)
• Play room with a dressing-up corner and a coin-minting machine
• New permanent exhibition planned from spring 2027

Permanent exhibition

• Neue Dauerausstellung – A newly designed permanent exhibition on the history and folk culture of Obwalden is due to open when the museum reopens in spring 2027.

Founded

1928

Operated by

Historischer Verein Obwalden

Director

Jasmin Gerig

Admission & discounts

Previous prices from before the closure; not confirmed for the period after reopening. Admission with guest card CHF 4. Free admission for members of the Historischer Verein Obwalden and with the Swiss Museum Pass, Raiffeisen Member-Plus, Kulturlegi Schweiz, ISIC, ITIC and IYTC; ID must be shown at the ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 museum is not wheelchair accessible and currently offers no inclusive services; an upgrade is planned in the coming years.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Play room with a dressing-up corner, a coin-minting machine and other activities; children's and family events can be filtered in the agenda; alphorn to try out.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Museum shop with books and toys; small self-service bistro with coffee and tea at the reception.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

A room in the museum can be hired for workshops and meetings (half day CHF 60, full day CHF 100); enquire at least two weeks in advance.

Plan your visit