Museum Wolfhalden

About the museum

The Museum Wolfhalden is housed in the former inn and farmhouse "zur alten Krone", which dates from around 1600. The first known owner is thought to be Landeshauptmann (regional captain) Wälti Bänziger (1560–1646), who was permitted around 1620 to continue running an inn. The house is a traditional Appenzell farmhouse with grooved friezes and two sheds beneath the broken gabled roof; after the museum took it over, it was restored to its original state as far as possible.

The impetus for founding the museum came from the Lesegesellschaft Hasli (reading society). In 1980 the municipal council commissioned one of its members, Ernst Züst, to look after a donation, and in March of the same year the museum association was founded. Züst led it as president and curator until 2023. The core of the collection consisted of donations from the municipality, including paintings by Titus Tobler and his brothers as well as a silk loom from the hamlet of Wasen. In 1981 the Bürgergemeinde (citizens' community) acquired the "Krone" and sold the southern part of the house to the association; the northern part was added in 2008, and a year later the exhibition opened at its present size.

On display are everyday objects from the Kurzenberg and Hirschberg region from about 1650 to 1950. The focal points are home weaving, fruit and wine growing and local history, complemented by parlours, a kitchen, farming, the fire brigade and a fully preserved shoemaker's workshop.

Highlights

• Wine press house with a massive cider press (wooden screw from the 18th century)
• Home weaving from flax to bed linen, silk loom under the roof
• Historic innkeeper's and farmhouse parlour of the "alte Krone"
• Portraits of notable personalities and Biedermeier interiors
• Fully preserved shoemaker's workshop

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung im Haus „zur alten Krone“ – Everyday objects from the Kurzenberg and Hirschberg region (c. 1650–1950) with a focus on home weaving, fruit and wine growing and local history.
• Torkel und Heimweberei – On the ground floor stands a massive cider press with a wooden screw from the 18th century; on the raised ground floor and under the roof, a weaving room and a silk loom show textile production from flax to silk.

Founded

1980

Operated by

Museumsverein Wolfhalden

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; donations are requested.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The website links to Google Maps and the SBB timetable; specific stop or parking information is missing.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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