Johanna-Spyri-Museum
Museum in Hirzel's old village schoolhouse on the life and work of the "Heidi" author Johanna Spyri, who spent her childhood here.
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About the museum
The Johanna Spyri Museum was founded in 1981 by the teacher Jürg Winkler on the 80th anniversary of the writer's death. It is housed in the old village schoolhouse of Hirzel, where Johanna Spyri, then called Hanni Heusser, received her first lessons; she had been born in 1827 in the village doctor's house. For a long time the museum was open only on Sundays, admission was free, and volunteers led the tours.
Around the turn of the millennium, it began to welcome school classes too and to link the subject of Spyri and "Heidi" with the world of the 19th century. In 2014 the first museum night took place in the village, and in 2015 a travelling theatre production about Spyri's life was created. After a comprehensive redesign, the museum reopened at the end of May 2016; the scenographer shifted the focus away from the novel's character Heidi and towards the author herself.
The current exhibition places Spyri's biography within the political, social and economic conditions of the 19th century. It shows original objects as well as reproductions of letters and manuscripts in atmospheric settings, and also sheds light on her work beyond the Heidi novels, her family history and her social commitment. The museum is run by the Museums-Stiftung Hirzel. In the surrounding area, walks lead to Spyri's birthplace and to the Spyri-Wäldchen (Spyri woodland).
Highlights
- Reconstructed Hirzel school lesson from around 1840
- Spyri's writing desk and her books
- Audio station with conversation scenes of the author
- Original objects as well as reproductions of letters and manuscripts
- Children's guide for children aged 6 to 12
- Birthplace and Spyri-Wäldchen within walking distance
Permanent exhibition
- Johanna Spyri – Dauerausstellung – The exhibition shows Spyri's life and work beyond the Heidi novels, with a school lesson from around 1840, writing desk, original objects and reproductions of letters and manuscripts.
- Founded
- 1981
- Operated by
- Museums-Stiftung Hirzel
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 5Holders of the KulturLegi (50%) |
| Children & teens | CHF 5free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 12 pay CHF 5 including the children's guide; children up to 6 free. From age 13 the adult price applies. |
| Families | CHF 30Family pass for 2 adults and any number of children, including the children's guide. |
| Standard tour for up to 10 people (flat rate) | CHF 250About an hour and a half, admission included. |
| Standard tour for 11 to 20 people (flat rate) | CHF 350About an hour and a half, admission included. |
| Standard tour for more than 20 people in two groups (flat rate) | CHF 500Two tours; larger groups on request. |
| School class with guided tour (flat rate) | CHF 250School classes from Horgen free of charge. |
| Visit without a guide outside opening hours (up to 10 people) | CHF 150About one hour; each additional person CHF 10; admission included. |
Gift vouchers for admission are available.
Accessibility
- Partially 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
The museum is wheelchair-accessible on the ground floor only.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | CHF 30 · Family pass for 2 adults and any number of children, including the children's guide. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
The museum is suitable for young and old; there is a children's guide for children aged 6 to 12, as well as a family pass. School classes are welcomed with age-appropriate games and puzzles.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Hirzel, Kirche
S2 or S8 to Horgen station, then bus 150 to the stop "Hirzel, Kirche".
By car
Parking available
Parking available at the Reformed church.
By car from Zurich on the A3 to the Horgen exit, then follow Zugerstrasse towards Zug/Lucerne/Hirzel and turn right onto Bergstrasse at the large crossroads in the middle of the village.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Small museum shop with postcards, bookmarks, merchandise and out-of-print books by Johanna Spyri. Food and drink available in Hirzel, e.g. Cafeteria Spyrigarten, Bäckerei Kleiner and several restaurants.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours for groups and school classes on request via the contact form; public tours take place on selected dates, for example in autumn. |
