Before the Christians arrived, only bears and wolves lived in the Black Forest—at least that’s what a clergyman claimed in the 18th century, and some people still believe it today. In reality, there is evidence of settlements dating back to the Neolithic Age. With Tarodonum—which lives on in the name Kirchzarten—the Dreisam Valley is even home to one of the oldest places in Germany known by name.
During a visit to the “KULT(UR)WALD” exhibition, you’ll learn how the Black Forest was used as a center for trade, transit, worship, and settlement throughout the ages. The exhibition is open daily during the summer months, except on Mondays.
Tickets
for the two public Sunday tours in August—on August 7 and 21 at 3:00 p.m.—are available at the museum ticket office or online.
Something strange is happening at the Franciscan Museum: Els, a merchant’s wife from the Middle Ages, is paying a visit! Over the course of two days as part of the summer vacation program, the children will learn all about life in the Middle Ages—from childhood and games to knighthood. Of course, a group “medieval” lunch is also part of the fun.
Museum educator Sandra Huth leads the program and is supported by volunteers from the Friends of the Municipal Museums in VS.
To prepare for or follow up on your “journey” through the KULT(UR)WALD, we recommend reading the accompanying book. Edited by curator Peter Graßmann and archaeologists Dorothee Ade and Lisa Rademacher, the volume is richly illustrated and, thanks to its structure of individual essays, also makes for perfect summer reading at a shady vacation spot.
The book, priced at €12, is available in the museum shop and at the exhibition.
The game “GeheimnisGräberei” takes visitors on an interactive treasure hunt through the Magdalenenberg exhibition. Using augmented reality technology, the secrets of the largest early Celtic burial mound are revealed. Secret codes, hidden symbols, and valuable artifacts await. As a reward, you’ll be treated to a glimpse into another world—or disaster may strike… The game can be borrowed for free on tablets at the museum.
> “GeheimnisGräberei” Trailer
The Baden-Württemberg Literature Days will open on September 23 and will take place in Villingen-Schwenningen to mark the city’s anniversary. As part of this event, the Franziskanermuseum invites you to three readings that are part of the accompanying program for the special exhibition KULT(UR)WALD:
Thursday, September 29, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Thomas Binder:
“Fighting. Suffering. Loving.
Life in the Black Forest from the Celts to the 20th Century”
Saturday, October 1, 2022, 3:00 p.m.
Christof Weiglein:
'The Celtic Ritual,' a crime novel set around the Celtic princely tomb at Magdalenenberg
Sunday, October 16, 2022, 3:00 p.m.
José F.A. Oliver, 2021 Heinrich Böll Prize winner:
'Heimat(t)?'
The events are free of charge; registration is not required.
