Kutschensammlung Robert Sallmann

About the museum

Amriswil textile industrialist Robert Sallmann (1921–2017) began collecting carriages in 1958, after a visit to the Wagenburg (carriage collection) at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. In 1960, in response to a newspaper advertisement, he acquired 32 carriages, including seven mail coaches, which laid the foundation of the collection. In 1963 the collection was first shown to the public; in 1975 it moved into renovated rooms on St. Gallerstrasse, where it remains today. Among other additions were an English mail coach, two carriages of the Fürstin Thurn und Taxis and wagons from Swiss country estates. Sallmann’s knowledge went into the Kutschenlexikon (carriage encyclopedia) published in 1995.

After his death in 2017, the collection was taken over in 2020 by the family of Andreas Sallmann. They installed a historic wheelwright’s workshop, renovated halls 1 and 2 in 2021 with new lighting, and presented the carriages according to a new concept. The Sattlerei Bleiker (saddlery) from Pfyn also found a new home here, and there is a forge as well.

The collection mainly shows Swiss vehicles, including a 1902 mail coach that was presented in 2024 after restoration. Other items include harnesses, old suitcases, carriage lamps, models and toys related to carriages. A support association backs the collection.

Highlights

• English mail coach and two carriages of the Fürstin Thurn und Taxis
• Swiss mail coach from 1902, restored in 2024
• C-spring chaise from around 1830
• Infantry kitchen, Model 1918
• Complete wheelwright’s workshop, saddlery and forge
• Harnesses, suitcases, sleighs and toys related to carriages

Permanent exhibition

• Kutschen, Wagen, Schlitten und Fuhrwerke – The collection shows vehicles from the 18th and 19th centuries, mainly from Switzerland, along with harnesses, suitcases and toys, as well as a wheelwright’s workshop, a saddler’s workstation and a forge.

Operated by

Familie Sallmann

Admission & discounts

Single admission applies on public opening days.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The collection also shows toys on the theme of carriages. Children and young people pay half the admission price.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

On request, aperitif, lunch or dinner with catering for groups of up to 40 people by arrangement.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 40 guests.

The rooms are suitable for family, corporate and club events, birthday parties, meetings and assemblies; arrangements by agreement. The figure 40 refers to a meal, according to muse.tg.

Plan your visit