Basel
Basel cultural history

Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche

Explore Basel's cultural history and medieval art in a historic former Franciscan church

HistoryArtLocal heritageArchitecture

Explore the rich history of Basel inside a magnificent former monastery church. Discover outstanding collections ranging from archaeological discoveries and medieval tapestries to Renaissance cabinets of curiosities and the famous Basel Dance of Death.

Housed in a grand 14th-century church, this museum features Basel’s historical treasures, from medieval religious art to Renaissance curiosities.

Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche
About the Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche

Located in a former Franciscan church in Basel, the Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche offers a deep journey into regional history. The exhibition features archaeological finds, medieval religious art, and the renowned Basel Cathedral Treasury. Visitors can also view historic tapestries and the Basel Dance of Death, experiencing centuries of heritage in an atmospheric medieval setting.

White facade of the Barfüsserkirche with a large Gothic arched window featuring a colorful mural, the Historisches Museum Basel sign above the entrance, and people sitting on the front steps under a blue sky
Visitor amenities at the Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche

The Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche provides several facilities to support a comfortable visit for all guests. The site features step-free access and designated parking spaces, and while the building is largely wheelchair accessible, some areas have limited lift access. To assist with navigation throughout the exhibition spaces, two wheelchairs are available for visitor use.

Parking spaces for the disabled

Available

Lift

Limited

Step-free entrance via diversion

Available

Wheelchair accessibility

Limited
Family visits at the Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche

The Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche offers families engaging drop-in workshops and discovery tours within its historic setting. These sessions encourage children and adults to explore local history through interactive, hands-on activities. Visitors can find more details regarding family resources and activity schedules to help plan their visit.

The Historical Museum Basel offers engaging family-oriented workshops and discovery tours within its permanent exhibitions, including the Barfüsserkirche.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Drop-in family workshops with no fixed start times
  • Interactive exploration of the historic Barfüsserkirche building
  • Engaging activities designed for children and accompanying adults to discover history together

Activities and resources for children

Family program

Atelier: Wundersame Dinge

180–180 min

A drop-in workshop at the Barfüsserkirche focused on uncovering historical secrets.

Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche Location

The Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche is centrally located at Barfüsserplatz in the heart of the city's historic old town. Housed in a prominent 14th-century former Franciscan church, this landmark offers visitors an ideal starting point for exploring regional cultural heritage. Its highly accessible location in Basel-Stadt makes it a convenient and natural stop during any walking tour.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Barfüsserplatz 7

4051 Basel

Basel-Stadt, CH

The Cultural Collections of Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche

The Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche offers a rich journey into local heritage inside a grand 14th-century Franciscan church in Basel. Walking through this historic sanctuary, visitors encounter regional treasures spanning from antiquity to the modern era. The collection highlights the exquisite Basel Cathedral Treasury, rare 15th-century tapestries, and the famous Basel Dance of Death. Additionally, the lower level showcases extensive archaeological finds, while upper spaces display Renaissance curiosities. This experience beautifully connects art and regional history.

Exterior view of the Historical Museum Basel at Barfüsserkirche, showing the white church facade with a large central mural, arched windows, and people sitting on the front steps.

The History of Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche

The Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche in Basel is housed in a former Franciscan church built between 1275 and 1309. The building underwent a major conversion from 1890 to 1894 to preserve the region's **cultural heritage**. In 1975, workers made an unexpected discovery when they uncovered a mummified grave chamber in front of the choir.

  • Established in 1894

    1894Founding

    The Basel Historical Museum was formally established in 1894, incorporating various cultural history collections including those from the historic Amerbach cabinet.

  • Conversion of Barfüsserkirche for museum use

    1890-1894Renovation

    Between 1890 and 1894, the former Franciscan church, known as the Barfüsserkirche, underwent a major renovation to transform the structure into the new home for the city's historical museum.

  • Discovery of mummified remains in 1975

    1975Milestone

    On 20 October 1975, workers discovered a brick-walled grave chamber in front of the choir of the Barfüsserkirche containing a mummified woman. This individual was later identified as Anna Catharina Bischoff, an ancestor of Boris Johnson.

Latest museum updates from Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche
Recent announcements, stories, and institutional updates in Basel
Read the newest updates from Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche, including exhibition announcements, program changes, and cultural stories that add context before your visit in Basel.
Historical Museum Basel Finalizes Five-Year Collection Inventory

Historical Museum Basel Finalizes Five-Year Collection Inventory

The Basel Historical Museum has announced the successful conclusion of a major five-year project to inventory its vast collection. This comprehensive undertaking ensures that the museum's historical assets are cataloged for future research and public display. Visitors and researchers can now benefit from improved documentation of the museum's extensive cultural holdings.

Museum NewsCollectionResearchBehind the Scenes
Read article
Curious Details: Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche FAQs

Planning your visit to the Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche but wondering about staircases and lift access? Don't worry, a small diversion lets you skip the entrance steps entirely, and our lift reaches nearly every corner of this historic Basel venue. Find all the practical answers to your top questions, without any historical mystery.

What is the phone number for Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche?

The official telephone number for Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche is not currently provided in our records.

Does Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche have an email address for inquiries?

No specific public email address is currently listed for Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche.

How do I contact Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche?

Specific contact methods such as an online form, email address, or phone number are not currently available for Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche.

Are there parking spaces for visitors with disabilities at Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche?

Yes, parking spaces for the disabled are located next to the museum on Barfüssergasse.

Practical Tips for Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche

When planning a visit to the Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche in Basel, it is helpful to note the available accessibility features to ensure a smooth experience. The venue offers limited wheelchair accessibility, with an elevator providing access to most areas except for the rear section of the church. Visitors can easily bypass the stairs at the main entrance by taking a short, step-free diversion. Two wheelchairs are also available to borrow free of charge on-site. Additionally, designated parking spaces for visitors with disabilities are located right next to the museum building on Barfüssergasse.

Visitor Suitability and Accessibility at Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche

The Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche in Basel is well-suited for solo travelers, families, and anyone interested in local heritage, art, and regional archaeology. Inside the medieval church building, the exhibition spaces cater to diverse learning styles with both historic treasure displays and interactive workshops designed for kids. The museum also accommodates visitors with limited mobility by providing lift access to most areas, a step-free entrance route, and complimentary wheelchair hire, though some areas like the rear of the church are restricted.

Photos of Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche

Images of the Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche highlight its striking Gothic architecture, featuring a white gabled facade, wide stone steps, and arched stained-glass windows. Visitors can preview the impressive exterior of this 14th-century church in Basel. The visual collection sets expectations for exploring the regional history and historic treasures housed within this grand landmark.

Exterior view of the Historical Museum Basel at Barfüsserkirche, showing the white church facade with a large central mural, arched windows, and people sitting on the front steps.
White gabled facade of the Barfüsserkirche with Gothic arched windows, a large exhibition banner, and a sign reading Museum für Geschichte above the entrance
White facade of the Barfüsserkirche with a large Gothic arched window featuring a colorful mural, the Historisches Museum Basel sign above the entrance, and people sitting on the front steps under a blue sky
Large reddish-brown classical building facade with rows of white-framed windows, a green central entrance door, and blue flags, with a few pedestrians walking on the sidewalk in front
White plastered historic building with a corner tower and red sandstone trim along a street with tram tracks in Basel
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