The Franziskanermuseum Villingen-Schwenningen is a cultural treasure trove nestled in the historic district of Villingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Housed in the former Franciscan monastery, this museum offers an intriguing journey through the region's rich history, spanning from ancient times to the present day. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the Franziskanermuseum promises an enriching experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the heritage of this charming town.
The roots of the Franciscan monastery in Villingen date back to 1268 when the Franciscan Order, founded in 1210, established a monastery here. Invited by Count Heinrich I of Fürstenberg, the Franciscan brothers found a home in Villingen, with the count providing them with protection and support. The monastery church was consecrated on April 27, 1292, by Bishop Bonifatius, though its construction had been delayed by a city fire in 1271.
Over the centuries, the monastery became a significant religious and educational center. It hosted the provincial chapter of the order 26 times and operated a grammar school. In 1517, during a division within the Franciscan Order, the Villingen brothers joined the Conventuals or Minorites. The monastery and church were destroyed by Tallard's troops in 1704 but were rebuilt in 1711.
The monastery's religious function came to an end in 1797 due to the secularization policies of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Joseph II. However, the legacy of the Franciscans lives on through the museum that now occupies the site.
The museum's origins can be traced back to 1876 when local bookshop owner Ferdinand Förderer and pastor Johann Nepomuk Oberle, along with like-minded individuals, established an antiquities collection. Initially housed in Villingen's old town hall, the collection grew over the years with significant acquisitions, including tapestries in 1910 and the collections of Robert Bichweiler and Oskar Spiegelhalder in 1929.
The need for a more suitable home for the expanding collection led to the decision to utilize the former Franciscan monastery. Despite financial challenges during the Great Depression, the collection found temporary homes until it was finally established in the monastery in 1978. The museum underwent significant renovations and expansions, culminating in its grand reopening in 1999. Today, it boasts 2,151 square meters of exhibition space, showcasing approximately 7,000 years of human history.
The Franziskanermuseum's exhibitions are thoughtfully curated to offer a comprehensive view of Villingen's history and the broader cultural heritage of the Black Forest region. The museum is divided into several key sections, each offering unique insights and artifacts.
The City History section is divided into two parts: City History up to 1800 and City History from 1800 to Today. The former is one of the oldest and most comprehensive municipal collections in Baden-Württemberg, featuring archaeological finds, sacred art, and everyday objects. Highlights include medieval tapestries from the former St. Clara Monastery and a Minnetruhe adorned with motifs of feminine power.
The latter section delves into the Villingen Carnival (Fasnet), the rise of tourism in the 19th century, and local companies such as SABA and Kienzle. The How Villingen-Schwenningen Ticks exhibit explores the identity of the modern twin city of Villingen-Schwenningen.
One of the museum's most fascinating sections is dedicated to the Celtic Prince's Grave of Magdalenenberg, the largest Celtic burial mound in Central Europe. Excavations began in 1890, and further archaeological investigations in the 1970s revealed 126 secondary burials within the mound. The original grave chamber, measuring 8 by 6.5 meters, dominates the exhibition space, surrounded by a wealth of artifacts, including weapons, jewelry, and everyday items. A model of the burial mound and an augmented reality game, GeheimnisGräberei, provide engaging ways to explore this ancient site.
The Black Forest Collection of Oskar Spiegelhalder showcases ethnographic objects from the Black Forest region, collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection includes items from various aspects of daily life, as well as examples of local craftsmanship, such as Black Forest glass, clocks, and traditional costumes.
The permanent exhibition Not Just Cabbage and Turnips: The Municipal Antiquities Collection documents the collecting activities of Villingen citizens in the 19th century. The exhibition Man, Work, Technology, located in the corridor between the City History and Celtic Prince's Grave sections, traces the evolution of tools from the Stone Age to the modern computer era. Additionally, the museum hosts changing special exhibitions on various aspects of local and regional history in the ground floor of the monastery complex.
Beyond its exhibitions, the Franziskanermuseum serves as a vibrant cultural center. The former monastery church, with its excellent acoustics and 1,000-seat capacity, now functions as a concert hall. The former sacristy can be booked for weddings, adding a touch of historical charm to special occasions. The museum also offers educational programs for school classes, kindergartens, and children's birthday parties. Annual events such as the Museum Festival and Celtic Day, a living history event, further enrich the museum's offerings.
In recognition of its outstanding contributions to cultural heritage, the Franziskanermuseum has received several awards, including the Joseph-Haberer Prize in 2016 and the KeltenWelten Association Prize in 2019. Its augmented reality game, GeheimnisGräberei, was shortlisted for the DigAMus Award in 2021.
In conclusion, the Franziskanermuseum Villingen-Schwenningen is not just a repository of artifacts but a dynamic institution that brings history to life. Its diverse exhibitions, engaging programs, and cultural events make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Villingen's past and present. Whether you're wandering through the ancient halls of the former monastery or delving into the mysteries of the Celtic Prince's Grave, the Franziskanermuseum offers an unforgettable journey through time.
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