Schweizerisches Agrarmuseum Burgrain

About the museum

The Agrarmuseum Burgrain came into being in the 1970s. Early impulses included Lucerne farmhouse research, in which the photographer and farmhouse researcher Ernst Brunner also took part. At first the museum focused mainly on earlier land and farm technology.

In June 2021 it reopened as a modern education and dialogue center for sustainable agriculture and food. It is run by the non-profit Stiftung Schweizerisches Agrarmuseum Burgrain. It aims to make present and future themes of agriculture and food tangible, to present the history of domestic food production, and to give particular attention to sustainability and health promotion.

The trilingual main exhibition “Wer ist Landwirtschaft?” covers 1,800 square meters and explores current conflicts in ten focal points, such as industrial food production, the handling of pesticides and liquid manure, the loss of biodiversity, and rivalry between agricultural nations. More than 100 collection objects and over 200 historical photographs by Ernst Brunner are on show. The open depot in the old carriage house presents historical agricultural machinery. The museum is part of the “Erlebnis Burgrain” between the St. Blasius chapel and Kastelen castle, with an organic farm, the Restaurant Burgrain-Stube and a farm shop.

Highlights

• Main exhibition “Wer ist Landwirtschaft?” across 1,800 m² in three languages
• Over 200 historical photographs by Ernst Brunner
• Open depot in the carriage house with historical agricultural machinery and tractors
• Bee experience with honey bar and teaching apiary
• Nature and education garden with playground and barbecue area
• Organic farm, restaurant and farm shop at Burgrain

Permanent exhibitions

• Wer ist Landwirtschaft? – Interactive, trilingual main exhibition on ten focal points of sustainable food production, combined with historical objects and photographs by Ernst Brunner.
• Schaudepot in der Remise – Historical agricultural machines, equipment and tools, up to restored vehicles and tractors.
• Natur- und Bildungsgarten – Garden between the museum and the experience farm, with information stelae, berry tasting in summer, playground and barbecue area.

Operated by

Stiftung Schweizerisches Agrarmuseum Burgrain

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Swiss Museum Pass and for members of Raiffeisen, VMS and ICOM. Admission covers the museum (Schüür), the carriage house, the nature garden and the Bürgerheim.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

Access to the farm shop, restaurant and museum is barrier-free. There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet and wheelchair-accessible parking spaces. Dogs are not allowed in the museum, but they are allowed in the cafeteria and the nature garden.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Interactive main exhibition, bee experience with honey bar and microscope stations, nature and education garden with children's playground and barbecue area; learning materials and experience modules for school classes.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the through road between Sursee, Ettiswil and Huttwil.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Museum café with drinks and snacks, the Restaurant Burgrain-Stube in the former horse stable of the organic farm (seasonal, mostly organic products), and a farm shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The first floor of the carriage house can be rented as an event venue for celebrations, aperitifs and company events. Inquiries via the contact form.

Plan your visit