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

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

In great leaps through Basel's history, starting with the first settlements and ending with contemporary themes. Selected objects, films and media installations guide you through time. The most ...

With this new special exhibition, the Historical Museum follows in the footsteps of the 25 most spectacular treasure finds in the Basel region. Why were these valuable objects once buried, hidden or ...

Celtic gold jewelry, stolen loot dumped in the Rhine or one of the largest Roman silver treasures in Europe. The tour leads you through the special exhibition on the trail of the 25 most spectacular ...

Together with their adult companions, the children uncover secrets about treasures from the Basel region. They are supported by the museum's education team, who playfully impart knowledge and ...

Bijoux celtiques en or, butin de voleur englouti dans le Rhin ou l'un des plus grands trésors d'argenterie romains d'Europe. The circuit takes you on the trail of 25 of the most spectacular treasures ...

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 ...

With its new special exhibition ‘Treasure Hoards’, the Basel Historical Museum traces the 25 most spectacular treasure hoards ever found in the Basel region.

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 ...