New “AlpenStadtMuseum” in Sonthofen

How did Sonthofen become the town it is today? This and other questions are addressed by the new Alpine Town Museum (AlpenStadtMuseum) in Sonthofen/D, which opened its doors at the end of January after two and a half years of construction.

As early as 1927, the municipality acquired a farmhouse, the core of which dates back to the 16th century, and set it up as a local history museum. After extensions and renovations, the new “AlpenStadtMuseum” has now been created: with a new concept in terms of content, extension areas, special exhibitions, a museum café and a varied programme. In a modern exhibition on different levels, the “AlpenStadtMuseum” tells the story of the region’s many facets: with numerous objects that have been newly staged, on a tour through the historic farmhouse, at media and hands-on stations, and in a child-friendly form with the specially designed children’s track.

Strengthening Alpine awareness

With the renovation, conversion and expansion of the house into a newly designed town museum, the town of Sonthofen has not only been able to implement an exemplary building and cultural project. The municipality, which was awarded the title “Alpine Town of the Year” in 2005, makes its residents and visitors aware that the town is part of the Alps and thus has a share in this valuable living, cultural and natural space. Taking special responsibility for the preservation of the cultural and natural heritage and striving for its sustainable development is a central concern of the association.

“As a member of the Alpine Town of the Year Association, it is important for us to build bridges to the surrounding regions,” explains Ingrid Fischer, second mayor and president of the association. “With the AlpenStadtMuseum, we can carry the Alpine Town idea beyond our city limits.”

Further information is available at www.alpenstadtmuseum.de, more information on our member town Sonthofen you can find here.

Pictures: Stadt Sonthofen / Sonja Karnath