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

Well-known and surprising objects guide us through the events and developments of the city and region from the first human traces to the present day. We gain initial insights and discuss how 100,000 ...

To mark the UEFA Women's EURO 2025, the Basel Historical Museum is presenting a top-class selection of national and international football trophies. These include the UEFA Women's EURO trophy, this ...

The presentation of medieval art in the Basel Historical Museum offers exciting insights into the omnipresence of the Christian faith. Exquisite works of art from the 11th to 16th centuries unfold ...

Urban history from the Middle Ages to the present in images, signs and symbols. How did the state and the various groups in society present themselves?

Felix Platter is a city doctor in Basel and professor of medicine. He anatomizes corpses in order to advance medical science. He treats the sick and keeps meticulous records of the many diseases he ...

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.

Frames without pictures, upholstery fabric remnants, data sets without objects and heaps of old packaging and historical object labels - where does a museum object actually begin and end? At the end ...

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 ...