Appenzell Museum

The Appenzell Museum is the local history and folk culture museum of Appenzell, the small capital of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in north-eastern Switzerland. It stands in the old town, on the main street, among the painted houses that give the town its postcard look, and it tells the story of a region with a strong sense of identity and a distinctive way of life. Appenzell Innerrhoden is one of the smallest cantons in Switzerland, a Catholic and traditional place of pastures, farmhouses and the dramatic limestone range of the Alpstein, and the museum sets out how people lived there.

The collections concentrate on everyday life and folk art. Costumes are a highlight: the women’s festive dress of Appenzell, with its heavy silver chains, embroidered bodices and elaborate headdress, is among the most elaborate in Switzerland, and the men’s traditional dress includes a yellow waistcoat and red vest used at festivals. Embroidery and textile work, which was a major home industry in the region, are well represented, and so are tools and equipment from the dairy farms, such as cheese-making tools, milking stools and wooden vessels. Painted furniture and the characteristic farmers’ painting of Appenzell, with scenes of cattle drives to the alpine pastures in bright colours on wood and paper, show the local sense of decoration. Exhibits on the Landsgemeinde, the open-air assembly in which citizens vote by raised hands, link the museum to the town’s political tradition.

The museum is a good introduction to the culture before you walk through the town and into the hills. Displays explain the customs of the farming year, from the ascent to the high pastures in early summer to the festive descent in autumn, with herders in costume and decorated cattle, and the museum also treats seasonal traditions such as carnival and the folk music of the region, which includes the yodel and music played on the hackbrett, a type of dulcimer. Temporary exhibitions deal with particular themes, so the programme changes from year to year, and guided tours may be offered on certain days. The museum is designed to be accessible, with lifts and step-free access.

Practical details such as opening hours, prices and tours change, so check the museum’s website before visiting. The town is a good place for a day of regional culture, with the Landsgemeindeplatz, the Brauerei Locher and the show dairy all close by, and the Ebenalp, Lake Seealpsee and the Wildkirchli caves a short ride away. Local specialities such as Appenzeller cheese, gingerbread biscuits and the local beer fit naturally into the visit.

The museum suits culture lovers, families with older children and anyone interested in Swiss folk traditions. Allow around an hour or two.