Museum Kleines Klingental

About the museum

The Klingental convent in Kleinbasel was founded in 1274 by twelve Dominican nuns and named after its patron, the knight and minnesinger Walter von Klingen. The Kleines Klingental, today’s museum building, was the convent’s founding building and stood on the city wall. From here the nuns directed the construction of the Grosses Klingental, which became the largest of the ten major Basel convents; at its peak 52 nuns lived there.

In the course of the Reformation the convent was dissolved in the 16th century. In 1860 the residential buildings had to make way for the construction of the barracks, and only the church and the Kleines Klingental remained standing. After a comprehensive restoration between 1937 and 1939, the building is the home of the museum and of the Basel Monument Preservation Office.

The museum tells the history of the city of Basel and its Minster. At the centre of the permanent exhibition are original sculptures from Basel Minster that had to be replaced by copies because of weathering, including Romanesque and Gothic figures, tomb sculptures and parts of the choir stalls, as well as the equestrian statue of Saint George, which weighs around twelve tonnes. A city model shows Basel in the 17th century, and there are also a historic Vogel Gryff mask and wall paintings from Ernst Stückelberg’s artist’s house. A foundation ensures the preservation and operation of the building.

Highlights

• Original sculptures from Basel Minster, including the equestrian statue of Saint George
• City model at a scale of 1:400: Basel in the 17th century with touchscreen
• Historic convent building of 1274 on the bank of the Rhine
• Parts of the Wheel of Fortune from the Minster and a historic Vogel Gryff mask
• Murals from Ernst Stückelberg’s artist’s house in the convent kitchen

Permanent exhibitions

• Münsterskulpturen – On the ground floor stand larger-than-life Gothic figures from Basel Minster; on the upper floor, Romanesque and Gothic sculptures, tomb figures and parts of the choir stalls.
• Stadtmodell – Basel im 17. Jahrhundert – The 1:400 scale model reproduces the city after Merian’s bird’s-eye view of 1615; a touchscreen provides information on buildings and residents.

Operated by

Stiftung pro Klingentalmuseum / Kantonale Denkmalpflege Basel-Stadt

Admission & discounts

Admission CHF 8.– / 5.– (reduced); the website does not specify the reduction categories.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Animals are not permitted in the museum, except guide dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children’s tours for 6- to 12-year-olds, the puzzle booklet “Museumsdetektive” free at reception, puzzle tour for the Basler Ferienpass.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The museum café and shop are accessible during opening hours; the shop sells, among other things, small casts of Minster sculptures.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 180 guests.

Available for hire are the refectory (up to 160 people with banquet seating, 180 with concert seating), the Small Refectory (up to 48), the Schaffneistube (up to 24) and the convent courtyard with arbour; a grand piano can be hired.

Plan your visit