Stapferhaus
The Stapferhaus in Lenzburg is an exhibition venue by the railway station that tackles questions of the present day in immersive thematic exhibitions.
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About the museum
The Stapferhaus was founded in 1960 by Pro Argovia, Pro Helvetia, the Canton of Aargau and the town of Lenzburg, and named after Philipp Albert Stapfer (1766–1840), who is regarded as the founder of the Canton of Aargau. For its first thirty years it invited people to conferences and debates at Lenzburg Castle.
From 1994 the institution turned to exhibitions for the first time; “Anne Frank and Us” was a great success. From 2002 to 2018 the Stapferhaus built its immersive exhibition worlds on contemporary issues in the Zeughaus Lenzburg, while its offices remained in the castle. The topics ranged from the love of cars, punishment and matters of faith to money and home (Heimat), as well as fakes, gender, nature and health.
In 2018 the Stapferhaus moved into a new building right at Lenzburg railway station, which combines exhibition and office space under one roof. The architecture is designed for change: stairs and walls can be moved, floors opened up, and the façade and forecourt redesigned. In 2020 the house was awarded the European Museum Prize (EMYA) as “European Museum of the Year”.
Since 2007 the house has been run by the Stiftung Stapferhaus foundation. It has no permanent exhibition but instead shows one large thematic exhibition at a time over several months; past projects are documented in a digital collection. The next exhibition, “Security. A Risk?”, opens on 8 November 2026.
Highlights
- Exhibition venue with large thematic exhibitions on the present day
- Adaptable new building right at Lenzburg railway station
- European Museum of the Year 2020
- Vegetarian and vegan bistro
- Digital collection of past exhibitions
- Operated by
- Stiftung Stapferhaus
- Director
- Celia Bachmann und Sonja Enz (künstlerische Leitung)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 21 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 13Students and apprentices under 26 with a valid training ID, as well as recipients of disability insurance (IV) benefits |
| Children & teens | CHF 8free up to age 5 · Children and young people under 16: CHF 8; children under 6 free |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 13companion free · Recipients of disability insurance (IV) benefits pay the reduced price; companions of people with disabilities who cannot visit the museum alone are admitted free |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 13Students and apprentices under 26 with a valid training ID |
| Groups | –Prices and offers for groups are on the house’s groups page |
| Families | CHF 351 adult with a maximum of 3 children under 16; 2 adults with a maximum of 3 children under 16 cost CHF 45 |
| Generations offer (2 adults with max. 3 children under 16) | CHF 45 |
| Repeat-visit ticket for the current exhibition | CHF 50 |
| Kids’ Trail | CHF 5Extra with child-friendly content and materials for the voyage of discovery |
Free with the Swiss Museum Pass; 70% discount with the Caritas KulturLegi; subscribers to the Aargauer Zeitung (abo+) get 2 admissions for the price of one on Wednesdays. The Swiss Museum Pass can be purchased at the house.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
Fully wheelchair accessible with a lift to all floors; wheelchair and museum stool available to borrow at reception; wheelchair parking space in the Post parking lot 100 metres from the house, drop-off directly in front of the house with advance notice. Induction loop in the event room, subtitled films, tours in Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS) on request, listening stations and tactile elements in every exhibition, orientation aid in plain language; pick-up at the railway station on request.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | CHF 35 · 1 adult with a maximum of 3 children under 16; 2 adults with a maximum of 3 children under 16 cost CHF 45 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
The exhibitions are designed to be touched and interacted with. The “Kids’ Trail” (CHF 5) offers child-friendly content and materials for a voyage of discovery; there are generational tariffs and dedicated programmes for school classes.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Lenzburg (Bahnhof) · 1-min walk
The Stapferhaus stands directly at Lenzburg railway station: take the exit on the Bahnhofstrasse side, cross the street and walk about 20 metres straight ahead.
By car
Parking available
Parking in various car parks around the railway station; wheelchair parking space in the Post parking lot, 100 metres from the house.
- Accessible parking
The house recommends travelling by public transport. On request, a staff member will meet you at the railway station (register 2–3 days in advance).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Lockers
Bistro with vegetarian and vegan offerings (coffee, cake, lunch; table reservations except on Sundays); low-height lockers; shop (online) with exhibition publications.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 250 guests.
Hall for up to 250 people in concert seating, studio for up to 80 (100 standing), foyer and bistro area; catering by the in-house bistro and partners.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The exhibition is in German, French and English. Introductions and tours are offered for groups, in sign language on request; group reservations online. |
