In the heart of Bavaria lies the enchanting Stadtmuseum Schwabach, a treasure trove of cultural heritage and historical significance. Established in 1994, this museum is housed in the O’Brien-Park, an area steeped in history and charm. The museum’s mission is to preserve and showcase the rich cultural legacy of Schwabach and its surroundings, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
The roots of the Stadtmuseum Schwabach trace back to 1935 when the original building was constructed as a staff headquarters for the Wehrmacht barracks. This building, with its nearly untouched architectural integrity, served as a base for the Nachrichten-Abteilung 17 (signal corps) and the Nachrichten-Ersatz- und Ausbildungsabteilung 10 (signal replacement and training unit). Following the end of World War II, American troops occupied the site until 1992. In 1994, the building was repurposed to house the Stadtmuseum, preserving its historical essence as a walk-in exhibit within the city's historical narrative.
The museum underwent a significant expansion in 2009, designed by the Nuremberg architects Niederwöhrmeier + Kief, under the project leadership of Volker Schmidt. The new construction stands in stark contrast to the old building, with its striking architectural features. The distinctive elevator tower connects all floors of the historic building, while a new transparent entrance hall with a ticket counter, shop, and museum café opens up to the city. A spacious outdoor terrace creates a seamless connection to the museum park, and the glass walkway with the exhibition hall dominates the simple facades of the old building, allowing for circular routes throughout the museum.
Visitors to the Stadtmuseum Schwabach are treated to a diverse array of exhibits spread across four main sections, each occupying its own floor. The collections are internationally renowned and offer a unique glimpse into the region's rich industrial and cultural history.
Schwabach is globally recognized for its gold leaf, screws, springs, wire, needles, and nails. This metalworking heritage is meticulously presented in a dedicated exhibition hall. The highlight of this exhibit is the goldbeater's craft, a tradition that has been a part of Schwabach since the 16th century. In the Goldbox (demonstration workshop), goldbeating experts demonstrate how ultra-thin gold leaf is produced using historical tools and machines from the early 20th century.
The Stadtmuseum boasts one of the world's largest egg collections, featuring over 10,000 eggs. This extensive collection is divided into several fascinating sections:
The museum's city history section covers Schwabach's journey through the 20th century, from the First World War, the Weimar Republic, and the Nazi dictatorship to the Second World War. The post-war period up to the late 1970s and the history of the American garrison until 1992 are also prominently featured.
A small permanent exhibition is dedicated to the Schwabach-born piano virtuoso, composer, and piano teacher Adolph Henselt (1814–1889). Through images and sound, visitors can experience the life and work of this illustrious artist, who was a prominent figure in the Romantic era and significantly influenced piano pedagogy in Russia.
The exhibit on the Royal Bavarian Court Soap Factory Ribot is one of Germany's largest collections of objects related to soap production. This section offers a fascinating insight into the history and processes of soap making.
On an impressive 800 square meters, the Stadtmuseum showcases the world's largest specialized collection of toys and model trains from the Gebrüder Fleischmann company. In collaboration with this Franconian traditional company, the museum displays around 2,500 rare historical tin toys and model trains, as well as six model railway layouts. The exhibit spans the company's 125-year history and the broader context of world history, with many interactive elements for visitors to enjoy.
In conclusion, the Stadtmuseum Schwabach is not just a museum but a vibrant repository of the region's rich cultural and industrial heritage. Its diverse exhibits, engaging displays, and interactive elements make it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting the charming town of Schwabach. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious, the Stadtmuseum offers a captivating journey through time and tradition.
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