Museum HAARUNDKAMM
Museum on the grounds of the former comb factory in Mümliswil, covering comb-making, hairdressing and industrial history, with a working comb workshop.
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About the museum
For two centuries Mümliswil was the centre of Swiss comb production. It began in the 18th century with the comb-maker Urs Joseph Walter. For more than 160 years the trade stayed in the hands of the Walter family and grew from a craft into a factory that was known worldwide at its peak. In 1915 a major fire destroyed the factory, but combs were still made in Mümliswil until 1990. Later, KROKO AG and the OWO press works, both pioneers of plastics processing, also operated on the site; the latter until 1999.
Part of the company archive, together with objects and products from the factory, went to the museum, which has existed since 1991. In 2004 the association Haar & Kamm Thal was founded to run it. Its members include the municipal authorities, the Bürgergemeinde (the civic community that owns the collection) and regional culture delegates.
The collection shows ornamental combs made of horn, tortoiseshell and celluloid, clasps and diadems, tools, machines, photos and pattern books, as well as objects related to hairdressing. In 2014 a comb workshop with original machines was added, where visitor groups can make a comb themselves.
Highlights
- Ornamental combs made of horn, tortoiseshell and celluloid, hair clasps and diadems
- Comb workshop with original machines from the factory (since 2014)
- Comb-making workshops for groups
- Industrial history of the Kammpark factory site
- Audio guide in German, French and English
Permanent exhibitions
- Dauerausstellung HAARUNDKAMM – Ornamental combs, clasps, tools, pattern books and photos show comb production in Mümliswil. The cultural history of the comb and of hairdressing is also presented.
- Kammwerkstatt – An authentically furnished workshop with original tools and machines from the former factory. The comb-making workshops also take place here.
- Founded
- 1991
- Operated by
- Verein Haar & Kamm Thal
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 4Children and young people up to age 20, and recipients of disability insurance (IV) |
| Children & teens | CHF 4Children and young people up to age 20 |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 4Recipients of disability insurance (IV) |
| Families | CHF 20Family ticket |
| Standard guided tour of the exhibition or comb workshop (60 min., admission extra) | CHF 120 |
| Combined tour of exhibition and workshop (90 min., admission extra) | CHF 180Each additional 60-minute combined tour CHF 120 |
| Tour for large groups of more than 25 people (90 min., admission extra) | CHF 240 |
| Children's birthday: museum tour with afternoon snack, Zvieri (from age 6, max. 15 children) | CHF 120admission and refreshments extra |
| Children's birthday: comb-making workshop with afternoon snack, Zvieri (from age 8, max. 12 children) | CHF 280admission and refreshments extra |
Payment in cash or with TWINT; no card payment. Free admission for members of VMS/ICOM and SWB.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | CHF 20 · Family ticket |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's birthday parties with a child-friendly tour or a comb-making workshop. Workshops for groups from about age 10.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Kammfabrik
Express train stop at Oensingen, then the Postauto bus line Balsthal–Mümliswil (–Passwang).
By car
Parking available
Parking spaces are available. Tour buses stop directly on the main road and use the Kätzlimatt car park on Förstlenweg; do not drive over the bridge directly in front of the museum.
The Kammfabrik bus stop is directly in front of the museum.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Café serving coffee and drinks; on prior request, croissants (Gipfeli), baked goods or a Thaler apéro. The museum shop sells combs, hair accessories, postcards and books on the history of the factory and the region.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (DE, FR, EN) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours, comb-making workshops (from about age 10, max. 12 participants) and school visits are booked through the Naturpark Thal information office: +41 62 386 12 30, info@naturparkthal.ch. Audio guides are available on request. |
