Kloster Schönthal

About the museum

Schönthal Monastery was founded around 1145 by Count Adalbero of Froburg, who thereby secured the important trade route over the Hauenstein. In 1187 the church was consecrated to Mary, in 1266 Benedictine nuns are first mentioned; around 1400 the Servite order took over the complex. In 1525 rebellious peasants plundered the monastery. After the separation of the cantons, the Basel banker Merian acquired the estate in 1833 as a summer residence, and the church was afterwards used as a tool and wood shed.

In 1967 the monastery church was placed under heritage protection. The founder John Schmid had it renovated and in 2000 gave it its new purpose as a place for art. Since then, a collection of site-specific sculptures has been growing in the meadows and woods of Schönthal in a dialogue between art and nature. Today 33 works by 23 artists, including Tony Cragg, Richard Long, David Nash and Not Vital, line the paths and trails.

In 2018 the Sculpture at Schoenthal foundation was merged with the Edith Maryon Foundation; the art and cultural programme is continued by the Verein Kloster Schönthal association. The starting point of the art walks is the Romanesque monastery church with a gallery for changing exhibitions; the former Benedictine monastery also has seminar rooms and a hostel, and the estate comprises 100 hectares of land.

Highlights

• 33 site-specific sculptures by 23 artists in the Jura landscape
• Romanesque monastery church (consecrated 1187) as the starting point of the art walks
• Works by Tony Cragg, Richard Long, David Nash, Roman Signer and Not Vital, among others
• Galleries in the monastery church and Abbot's Hall for changing exhibitions
• Trail map on site; sculpture park accessible all year round

Permanent exhibition

• Skulpturenpark Schönthal – Currently 33 site-specific sculptures by 23 artists line the paths and trails in the meadows and woods around the monastery.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Verein Kloster Schönthal

Admission & discounts

Payment in cash or by TWINT.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car via the Liestal motorway exit via Waldenburg and Langenbruck, or from Egerkingen in approx. 15 minutes through the hilly landscape via Langenbruck.

Amenities & dining

There is a hostel for overnight stays in the former monastery.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Seminar rooms in the former Benedictine monastery (Raumangebot, Abbot's Hall, Kunststall) for seminars and conferences.

Plan your visit