EXHIBITION

In the course of the restoration of the Sempach Town Hall, the Museum was entirely redesigned. The building’s four levels house different thematic exhibitions devoted to religious life, local economical and political history, life around Lake Sempach and the Battle of Sempach, associated with a Culture of Remembrance. These different fields are illustrated by a rich selection of objects ranging from the end of the Middle Ages to today, the most important of which is the historic building itself.

Religious Life

This part of the exhibition focuses on popular piety, faith and practice in everyday life, popular customs and rituals as well as essential questions dealing with birth, life and death. A selection of objects, old and new, depicts important stages of life such as transition rituals, happy events and moments of sorrow.

The objects presented in a small archive chamber situated in a massive vault on the ground floor of the building.

 

 

History of the town (I)

The exhibition devoted to town’s history is situated in what was once a trading hall for drapers, on the first floor of the building..

The objects, images and recorded testimonies presented here offer an insight into the fields of local trade, industry, transport, politics and agriculture.

 

 

 

History of the town (II)

The Town Hall was the heart of the political life and power. In former times, the « Bürgersaal » was used as a council chamber. The famous emblazoned stained-glass windows date back to those days.

This magnificent room is now used for civil wedding ceremonies and other social and cultural events.

 

 

 

Lake Sempach

The new reception room on the second floor connects Sempach to its lake. This small section of the museum covers the rather special relationship between Man and water and everyday life on and around the lake, which acts both as a separation line in the landscape and a meeting point. It is also a sensitive ecological system and a much appreciated site open-air activities.

From the windows, there is a beautiful view over the lake.

 

 

The Battle of Sempach
and the Culture of Remembrance

The top floor of the building is devoted to the Battle of Sempach and the Culture of Remembrance. What happened back in 1386? Why did this battle occur and what were the consequences? Furthermore and none less important: which motivations underlie the perception and representation of this historical event ? What we perceive as « History » is not defined once and for all. Over the centuries, the meaning of the Battle of Sempach has not been the same for all. Each generation has privileged its own approach and understanding of historical events and developments. That is what is know today as « Culture of Remembrance ».

The understanding of past events can greatly profit from a closer look at the story of History.

 

A museum for adults

The visitors are invited to discover the different sections of the museum with an easy-to-use tablet. For each object, they can decide on the extent of information they wish to read. The database behind this iGuide offers some 30 hours of up-to-date reading matter.

All of the shorter texts related to the exhibitions are also available in English.

 

A museum for schools and families

For families and schoolchildren from grade three upwards, interactive learning is possible with the same iGuide.

A special programme (in German) is on offer for secondary level school classes.

A museum with guided tours

In the depths of History
Let our experts guide you through the museum. Immerse yourself in religious customs, marvel at the pictures exhibited in the draper’s hall. You will be fascinated by the history of the coats of arms. Learn interesting facts about the lake’s importance and listen in the attic to the stories of Confederates and Habsburg soldiers who survived the battle.

Complete information regarding the guided tours on this page.