Historisches Museum Olten
Interactive history of the town of Olten in the Haus der Museen, which also brings the Natural History Museum and the Archaeological Museum together under one roof.
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About the museum
The Historical Museum Olten came into being at the start of the 20th century on the initiative of Adolf Christen, Max von Arx and other citizens of Olten. Planning for a historical collection of the town began in 1901, a commission ran its affairs from 1903, and the first rooms were in the new Frohheim school building.
Around 1932 the museum was given considerably more space in the newly built administrative and school building in the Hübeli quarter on Konradstrasse. It is still there today; after the conversion from 2016 to 2018, the building is, as the "Haus der Museen", the shared home of the Historical Museum, the Natural History Museum Olten and the Archaeological Museum.
The permanent exhibition "Olten: Bitte alle aussteigen!" (Olten: Everybody Out, Please!) tells the story of the town at the crossing point of many routes: from railway junction through the legendary station buffet to the industry that once produced lorries, cars and shoes. Interactive stations, audio and video documents make it an experience for all the senses. In the "Geschichtswerkstatt" (history workshop) you can look over the shoulders of specialists as they do museum work. The collection includes ceramics, photography, lighting and traditional costumes from the town and region, among other things.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition "Olten: Bitte alle aussteigen!" on the history of the railway town
- Interactive hands-on stations as well as audio and video documents
- History workshop with a look at the work behind the scenes
- Collections of ceramics, photography, lighting and traditional costumes
- Three museums under one roof in the Haus der Museen
Permanent exhibitions
- Olten: Bitte alle aussteigen! – Permanent exhibition on the history of the town at a transport hub, with interactive stations as well as audio and video documents.
- Geschichtswerkstatt – Open workshop within the permanent exhibition in which researchers, conservators and museum staff can be watched and questioned as they work.
- Founded
- 1903
- Director
- Luisa Bertolaccini
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 3AHV and IV recipients (Swiss old-age and disability pensions) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Children and young people up to 18 years have free admission. |
| Seniors | CHF 3AHV recipients |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 3IV recipients |
| Groups | –School classes have free admission by advance booking. |
| Tour for groups (1 hour) | CHF 100Plus admission, maximum 25 people (in the Archaeological Museum maximum 10); surcharge of CHF 40 outside opening hours. |
| Schools: tour (1 hour, admission included) | CHF 100 |
| Schools: workshop (2 hours, admission included) | CHF 200 |
| Children's birthday (2 hours, cake and admission included) | CHF 200During opening hours only. |
According to the website, admission prices apply to the whole Haus der Museen. Free admission also with the Swiss Museum Pass, ICOM/VMS, Raiffeisen bank card (MemberPlus), Swiss Travel Pass, the guest card for tourists and KulturLegi.
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
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Haus der Museen is wheelchair accessible throughout. Specially adapted tours are available for deaf and visually impaired visitors; sign language interpreters can be arranged.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Hands-on stations in the permanent exhibition, the "Kinderspur" (puzzle booklet through all three museums, available at reception), a fountain tour through the town and workshops for children. Children's birthdays for children aged 6 and over, no more than 12 children (themes such as "Castle Ladies, Knights and Legends" or "We Build a Town").
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Olten Museen
Bus stop "Olten Museen" by the building; from Olten railway station the Haus der Museen can be reached in just over ten minutes on foot.
By car
Parking available
Parking at Munzingerplatz next to the building.
Amenities & dining
- Restaurant
Restaurant "MAGAZIN" on the ground floor of the Haus der Museen; aperitifs or meals are possible there after tours.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours for groups, clubs and companies by registration on +41 62 206 18 00; "Drei auf einen Streich – Glanzlichter im Haus der Museen" (Three in One Go – Highlights of the Haus der Museen) combines the permanent exhibitions of the three museums. Tours of the collection depot are held regularly (dates in the events calendar). The exhibition guide is available to download as a PDF in German, English, French and Italian. |
