The Basel Historical Museum, housed in the Barfüsserkirche since 1894, shows selected aspects of the history of Basel from prehistoric times to the present. The focus of the exhibits from the pre-Reformation period is on sacred works of art such as the Basel Dance of Death and Basel Cathedral Treasury. The exhibition in the basement, headed “Understanding the World”, comprises a magnificent array of medieval tapestries with their fantasy worlds and scenes of real life, the Renaissance and Baroque collections, now grouped together in one “Great Cabinet of Curiosities”, and Basel’s rich archaeological heritage. Among the other highlights are the coin cabinet and the Burgundian Booty.
Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche
The Basel Historical Museum, housed in the Barfüsserkirche since 1894, shows selected aspects of the history of Basel from prehistoric times to the present. The focus of the exhibits from the pre-Reformation period is on sacred works of art such as the Basel Dance of Death and Basel Cathedral Treasury. The exhibition in the basement, headed “Understanding the World”, comprises a magnificent array of medieval tapestries with their fantasy worlds and scenes of real life, the Renaissance and Baroque collections, now grouped together in one “Great Cabinet of Curiosities”, and Basel’s rich archaeological heritage. Among the other highlights are the coin cabinet and the Burgundian Booty.
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Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche
Currently and upcoming
The tour highlights the milestones in Basel’s coinage history and places them in their historical context. Some of the old Basel coins have lasted longer than one might think—some can still be found ...
In Basel, we literally stand on our past. This walking tour traces how the city gradually evolved from a Celtic settlement into a bishopric.
What is the name of the King of Basel? Where is the oldest stone in the museum? What is a cabinet of curiosities? The Barfüsserkirche has plenty of surprises in store—let’s explore them together ...
Unusual musical forms and creative scope are the focus of this concert program. Quodlibet can be translated as "as it pleases". To this day, it is understood to mean a musical composition that ...
Exquisite works of art from the 11th to the 16th centuries reveal their beauty and spiritual power in the choir of the Barfüsserkirche. In the Middle Ages, they were ubiquitous and “readable” ...
What treasures were hidden in Basel’s early modern cabinets of curiosities? Treasure chests and Erasmus’s chest, a unicorn’s horn, and the devil’s toenails—we’ve unearthed quite a few curious items ...
The special exhibition “Nuclear Power: Your Choice” is opening its doors at the Barfüsserkirche. You are cordially invited to the public opening! Admission is free; no registration is required.
During the tour, the history of nuclear power as well as current debates surrounding environmental, safety, and waste disposal issues will be explored. Participants are invited to join the discussion ...
The tour explores the history of nuclear power and provides an introduction to current debates surrounding the environment, safety, and waste disposal. Join the discussion: Should nuclear power plants ...
The impressive mural depicting the Basel Dance of Death was not only a major city landmark for centuries; it continues to influence numerous artists to this day, including HAP Grieshaber, to whom a ...
During the tour, we explore the history of nuclear power and current debates surrounding environmental, safety, and waste disposal issues. Participants are invited to join the discussion: Should ...
The exhibition “Leaps Through Time” provides an overview of Basel’s history: from the earliest traces of human presence in the region to current issues of today. The guided tour highlights key moments ...
Throughout the tour, we’ll trace the history of nuclear energy before addressing the debates it sparks today. You are invited to join the discussion: Should Switzerland shut down its nuclear power ...
The Basel Dance of Death was famous throughout Europe; it was simply a must-see—and that’s still true today!
Visitors are invited to explore Basel during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The tour highlights key objects from the collection, including the Basel Cathedral Treasury.
Thomas Stoltzer (ca. 1480-1526) was a celebrated composer in his time, who can be found in 30 printed publications. His Latin and German psalm settings were his best-known works. With their themes of ...
Around 1600, the Portuguese Gaspar Fernandes and the Spaniard Pedro Bermúdez worked as organists and bandmaster at Guatemala Cathedral. Fernandes had the task of collecting, organizing and ...
The atomic energy debate has been ongoing since the 1960s. The arguments are numerous and the implications are momentous. The exhibition illustrates the complex interrelationships in a playful way and ...
Glitter sparkles and shimmers; it fascinates and provokes outrage. Glitter is omnipresent and can be found on stages as well as on protest posters and in children's rooms. The exhibition focuses on ...
Showcased here will be medieval works of art from churches in Switzerland and on the Upper Rhine. The impressive sculptures attesting to the veneration of saints are a reminder of how society was ...
Around 200,000 people from 200 nations live in Basel. The city forms the centre of a large tri-national region with a long history. The ‘Zeitsprünge’ exhibition offers highlights of the events and ...