The museum, which is housed in a typical Bregenzerwald farmhouse from the 18th century, provides insights into the living style and circumstances in a region that continues to be characterised by timber architecture.
The founder of the Bezau Heimatmuseum, Anna Katharina Feuerstein, was opposed to selling irreplaceable cultural items before the World War I. In 1918, she purchased house nr. 181 in Bezau/Ellenbogen and then gifted it just two years later to the newly formed association for the protection of local heritage.
Typical Bregenzerwald house
Through the typical “Bregenzerwald porch,” people accessed the kitchen with open fire and Alpine dairy area, where they processed milk into cheese. The kitchen was just steps from the cosy parlour with the clay oven. The parents’ bedroom, which is called the “Gado” in local dialect, fringed the western side of the parlour.
Tracht clothing and the sacred arts
In addition to displaying numerous examples of Tracht clothing and chain stitch embroidery, there are also many examples of sacred artwork at this historically protected house. There is also a gallery of notable Bregenzerwald residents and thematic focuses on “customs and traditions” as well as “popular piety.”
Opening times with guided tours
July to September:Tues, Thurs and Fri until 4 pm
October to June:Tues 2 pm
Additional guided tours and group tours available with prior registration at T: +43 (0) 677 623 186 55
