The Inventarium exhibition in Basel offers a unique look behind the scenes at how the Historical Museum Basel manages its extensive inventory of three hundred thousand objects. From medieval knights' helmets to modern cultural items, learn about the evolving methods used to document, store, and preserve historical property for future generations.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Inventarium: A Documentation of the General Inventory at Historical Museum Basel – Musikmuseum in Basel
The 'Inventarium' is a focused exhibition exploring the intricate processes of collecting, organizing, and managing knowledge within the Historical Museum Basel. Visitors gain insight into the function of a general inventory and the museum's ongoing efforts to catalog and care for its vast collection of approximately 300,000 objects.
The 'Inventarium' provides an insightful look into the internal work of the Historical Museum Basel, centered on the comprehensive management of its extensive collection. From medieval items like knights' helmets to modern artifacts such as posters from women's strikes, the exhibition highlights the wide-ranging nature of museum property and the responsibility involved in maintaining such a diverse archive. Beyond displaying individual objects, the exhibition invites visitors to consider the broader history of museum practices. It raises important questions about how and why methods of exhibition and storage have shifted over time, shedding light on the dedicated efforts of those who work in the museum's depots to preserve history for the future.
The exhibition is hosted at the Barfüsserkirche. Please check the official museum website for information on general admission and visiting hours.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Inventarium: A Documentation of the General Inventory at Historical Museum Basel – Musikmuseum in Basel
Discover European musical traditions across five centuries in Basel.
Browse 550 historic European instruments in a unique setting. Explore former cell spaces that highlight centuries of regional and international music traditions at the Musikmuseum.
Exhibition Details
A permanent exhibition inside a historic eighteenth-century mansion.
Discover how a wealthy merchant family lived in late eighteenth-century Basel. Walk through early classical rooms filled with authentic period furniture, art, and domestic objects from the Historical Museum Basel collection.
Haus zum Kirschgarten Guide
18th-century Strasbourg faience tableware and sculptural terrines.
See the exquisite faience ceramics produced by the Strasbourg-based Hannong family. This permanent display highlights highly detailed animal-shaped terrines and elegant tableware that once graced Basel's wealthiest households.
Ceramics Exhibition
A permanent journey spanning 100,000 years of regional development.
Explore the social and cultural history of the city through a curated selection of historical objects and interactive digital media. Trace Basel's evolution from early human traces to its modern status as a vibrant urban hub.
Explore Exhibition
Discover twenty-five ancient gold and silver treasures.
Trace regional history through legendary Celtic gold and Roman silver discoveries. Learn about the political conflicts and magical practices that led people to bury their wealth, and solve interactive puzzles with the family.
Treasure Hoards Exhibition
Curated library displays commemorating 150 years of scholarly heritage.
Discover the collaborative exhibition organized by the HAG, Basel University Library, and the Basel Historical Museum. Explore historical and antiquarian records showcased at the Barfüsserkirche through April 2026.
View Exhibition DetailsSearch for active history, design, and art displays.
Explore a wide variety of public museum displays in Basel. Locate specific thematic installations, from fine art to heritage collections, and plan your next inspiring gallery visit.