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 presentation of the coins provides an insight into the pre-modern financial world and the form and function of money. Their production can be traced in the goldsmith's and coin workshop. Medals ...

In Basel, we literally stand on our past. Basel's development from Celtic city to episcopal seat.

Since the 16th century, scientists and collectors have been creating spectacular chambers of art and curiosities. Even today, the collections reflect the urge for knowledge of the world and the world ...

In Basel, we literally stand on our past. Basel's development from Celtic city to episcopal seat.

The whimsical and wonderful world of Renaissance reed instruments. From Michael Praetorius' "Theatrum Instrumentorum" brought to life with Pommern, Bassanelli, Dulzianen, Douçainen, Ranketten and ...

One of the worst-kept secrets of Elizabethan England was the unlawful Catholic faith of the composer of the Chapel Royal, William Byrd. Under Protestant rule, Byrd almost literally played with fire ...

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 ...