Information for english speaking visitors
Regional history and organ building
The Elztalmuseum in Waldkirch – A place of vital history
On four floors, the Elztalmuseum invites you to discover the exciting history of the Elztal as well as the nostalgic world of fairground organs and orchestras.
Through modern installations and using original objects, you can experience regional historical developments and musical diversity in a special way.
The Museum
The baroque museum building is part of the architecturally unique ensemble of the Chorherrenstift built in the 18th century.
In its premises, the Elztalmuseum combines tradition and modernity, the past and the present.
As a lively event venue, the museum is also a place for diverse encounters and cultural exchange.
Regional history and organ building
The history of Waldkirch and the Elztal is vividly presented in twelve rooms and five themed islands as "TalGeschichten" (valley stories).
One subject area is dedicated to well-known artists from Waldkirch such as Georg Scholz, Dora Vetter, Arthur Fauser or Rudolf Riester as well as other well-known artists such as Katharina Neunzig-Schwind.
According the slogan "not just seeing, but above all hearing", the museum takes visitors into the sound world of mechanical musical instruments.
Since the 19th century, Waldkirch has been world-renowned as the center of fair organs, church and hand barrel organs and orchestrions.
Today, the reputation of organ building in Waldkirch still goes around the world.
During guided tours, the instruments of the famous collection can be heard and informative background information can be found.
A showpiece of the collection is a modern organ called "Altobella Furiosa", which can replace a nine-piece band and was designed by the pop art artist Otmar Alt.
Building history
Residence and home of the provost of the collegiate monastery St. Margarethen, military hospital, hotel, school and museum: the baroque building in the unique monastery district offers the visitor a retrospect on an eventful history.
A separate narrative level deals with the diverse history of the building. This is visible in individual details in each of the rooms.
Events
The Elztalmuseum Waldkirch regularly invites you to special exhibitions, varied thematic tours, readings, concerts, lectures and official events.
For private events, both the magnificent baroque hall and the vault can be booked through the museum administration.
Museum shop
Numerous products with a local character and thematic reference to the exhibitions are available at the museum counter.
The offer ranges from music boxes to publications on regional history.
Useful information:
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 1 pm - 5 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm
Museum cafe:
Every Sunday from 2 pm and by appointment
Entry:
4,00 €, reduced 3,00 €
Children, young people (up to 16 years), students: 1,00 €
Museums-Pass-Musées: free
(Available at the museum ticket office)
Guided tours:
Guided tours through the organ exhibition and our regional history department "TalGeschichten" are available at any time for private individuals as well as for groups and bookable through the administration of the museum.
Guide fee including admission: 6,00 €
Public organ exhibition tours:
Every Wednesday at 3 pm
and every Sunday at 2:30 pm
Museum educational program:
For children and young people, adults, seniors and kindergarten groups, school classes and inclusive groups.