Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen is unique among museums in that it doesn’t focus on one theme like most museums but rather has a wide range of themes within one museum. Near Germany, it is in the city of Schaffhausen in Switzerland’s northern region. The museum is housed in a former Benedictine monastery and showcases a wide range of exhibits related to archeology, art, history, culture, and nature.
Museum visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of Switzerland and the surrounding region, as well as see traces of the monastery’s history.
Overview: Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen
The Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen displays artifacts ranging from ancient times to the present day. There are many other museums in Switzerland that are more well known, including the Landesmuseum Zurich or Bern Historical Museum, but this one covers so much in the space it has. It is truly a hidden gem in Schaffhausen.
From archeology to art, to history, nature, and culture, this museum is not quite like other museums that focus on one specific subject. As such, I believe that most visitors will find something that will appeal to their interests. And they can also discover other topics of interest while they are there.
The permanent exhibits are thoughtfully curated and provide visitors with a comprehensive overview of the area’s archeological, cultural, and historical significance. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, as well as events that children might enjoy. While we were there, they had the Ziegler Ceramics as the temporary exhibit.
Overall, the Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen is a great destination for anyone interested in history, art, culture, and nature.
Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen: What to Expect
Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen offers a diverse range of exhibits that showcase a variety of topics, specially curated and related to Schaffhausen, as well as the region around Schaffhausen. Visitors can explore the permanent exhibits that are always on display as they wish, as well as the temporary exhibits that change throughout the year.
Archeology and History
From the moment you enter, you will learn about the Neanderthals and our ancestors. Further along, you will see how important the region is around Kesslerloch and Thayngyn. Kesslerloch is a prehistoric cave site in the canton of Schaffhausen, near the village of Thayngen.
Kesslerloch gained prominence for the discovery of numerous archaeological artifacts and evidence of human habitation in the Paleolithic era. A short film is also presented near the Kesslerloch Cave diorama (once an hour) so you can learn more about the area.
The amount of artifacts recovered from Kesslorloch underscores its archaeological importance. Besides tools and weapons, there is pottery and jewelry from ancient cultures on display.
Children can interact with interactive quizzes on screens provided near scaled-down models of ancient civilizations. The process of looking for items and determining the answers is interesting for children. There is also a children’s nook near the bronze area where they can play with a tent, books, and other items. A treasure chest is also available at the front desk for those who are interested.
Art
Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen also has some art pieces located on the topmost floor of the museum. Although it is not as large as other art museums such as the Kunsthaus Zurich or Plateforme 10 in Lausanne, it still has some well-curated, beautiful artwork for you to enjoy. We also saw some modern art installations in one room.
Furthermore, the temporary exhibits on the Kammgarnhalle typically show art from a variety of artists. For example, they have had work from artists such as Nadja Kirschgarten, Fabian Treiber, Wilfrid Moser, Sandra Boeschenstein, and Zilla Leutenegger on display in the past few years.
Culture
Since the Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen is located in the Benedictine Monastery, you will be able to see artifacts and rooms related to its religious past. You can go and see various chapels such as the Johanneskapelle and Erhardskapelle on the ground floor. These are chapels dedicated to St. John and St. Erhard. These are small rooms with beautiful frescoes and a serene atmosphere.
The old rooms from the Benedictine Monastery built in 1049 are among the most important in the Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen.
Furthermore, you can see various information about the development and evolution of the city of Schaffhausen. Here, you will learn about the changes and significant events related to the city.
The Kreuzsaal is a central space that intersects like a cross. A Kreuzsaal is typically used as a grand reception hall or ceremonial space. When we visited, the museum had the Onyx of Schaffhausen in this room.
Nature
The Nature Room at the Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen was not as large as the rest of the rooms about art and archeology. It was one simple room but was packed with so much information.
In here, you can see some taxidermy specimens of animals that you can typically see in Switzerland. There were even live bees producing honey inside this room.
Children’s Activities
Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen has also made efforts to make the museum interesting for children. My kids did the quiz in the nature area and got a surprise gift at the end of our visit. Here are some of the children’s activities that they have inside the museum:
- Special tours and art workshops on selected dates throughout the year
- Discovering the museum at night
- Create your own prehistoric jewelry (CHF 2.- per craft set)
- Archeological Game with the flashlight and interactive screen
- Treasure Chest
- Nature Search Quiz with a gift if you complete the sheet
Temporary Exhibits
In addition to the permanent exhibits, Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits throughout the year. During our visit, they did show various ceramic products made by Ziegler Keramik (Ziegler Earthenware Factory), a traditional ceramics company from Schaffhausen that produced high-quality ceramics that have been an integral part of many households.
Although most temporary exhibits are modern art exhibits or exhibits showcasing artists’ works (Nadja Kirschgarten, Fabian Treiber, Wilfrid Moser, Sandra Boeschenstein, Zilla Leutenegger), some also cover other topics such as archeology or nature.
My recommendation is to check the museum’s website to see the current or upcoming temporary exhibits or ask the front desk for information on the current one on display.
How to Get to Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen
Museum zu Allerheiligen is located in the city of Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Schaffhausen is a small city in northern Switzerland, close to the German border. It is known for its beautiful old town, proximity to the Rhine Falls, and the Benedictine Monastery.
The museum is located in the heart of Schaffhausen, a quick walk from either the train station of Schaffhausen or the bus stop Rhybadi.
| Address | Museum zu Allerheiligen Klosterstrasse 16 8200 Schaffhausen Switzerland |
| Train | Schaffhausen (6-minute walk) |
| Bus | Schaffhausen, Rhybadi (4-minute walk) |
| Parking | – Parkplatz Kammgarn (2-minute walk) – Stricki Parkhaus: Moserstrasse 27, 8200 Schaffhausen (4-minute walk) |
Practical Information: Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen
Opening Times
Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays. Visitors are advised to check the museum’s website (www.allerheiligen.ch) or contact the museum directly for any changes in the opening hours.
Admission Fees
The Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen is free to visit every first Saturday of the month as well as for holders of the Museum Pass, Raiffeisen, and Swiss Travel Pass (as of June 2023). Otherwise, the admission fees for Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen are as follows:
| Category | Admission Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | CHF 12.00 |
| Adults with Temporary Exhibit | CHF 15.00 |
| Reduced Fee (Students, Groups) | CHF 9.00 |
| Reduced Fee (Students, Groups) with Temporary Exhibit | CHF 10.00 |
| Children (until 19 years old) | Free |
| Children (under 6 years old) | Free |
Visitors are advised to check the museum’s website (www.allerheiligen.ch) or contact the museum directly for more up-to-date information.
Amenities
Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen offers a range of amenities to make visitors’ experiences enjoyable and comfortable.
- The museum has a café that serves food and beverages, including coffee, tea, and snacks. You can even sit outdoors if the weather permits.
- There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase items related to the museum’s exhibitions.
- There are lockers and coat racks near the front desk. You will need to insert a CHF 2.- coin for this.
- There are restrooms in the museum as well.
Final Thoughts: Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the natural world, the Museum zu Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen comes highly recommended for its comprehensive and engaging displays.
The Museum zu Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen offers a captivating exploration of various themes, spanning art, history, culture, and nature. Within its walls, visitors have the opportunity to delve into the rich heritage of the Benedictine Monastery where it is housed, Schaffhausen region, and discover the significance of sites like Kesslerloch. The museum provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural fabric of the area, shedding light on its past and its place in the wider context of Switzerland.
One notable aspect of the Museum zu Allerheiligen is its affordability. With reasonable admission fees and even free entry in some cases, it ensures that knowledge and appreciation of the exhibits are within reach for a diverse range of visitors. The museum boasts well-maintained facilities and a welcoming environment, making the exploration of its extensive collections a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
While the Museum zu Allerheiligen may not have the same level of renown as some other Swiss museums, it surprises visitors with its rich offerings and deserves recognition as a hidden gem. The diverse range of themes covered, the opportunity to learn about the region’s history and cultural heritage, and the quality of the exhibits make it a destination worth visiting.
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.