Stadtmuseum Aichach

In the heart of Bavaria, nestled within the charming town of Aichach, lies the Stadtmuseum Aichach, a treasure trove of local history and culture. This museum, with its rich tapestry of exhibits, offers a fascinating journey through time, capturing the essence of Aichach and its surrounding region from the 12th century to the modern era.

The Birth and Evolution of the Museum

The roots of the Stadtmuseum Aichach stretch back to 1906 when the Historical Collection of the City was established. This collection formed the cornerstone of the Heimatmuseum, which opened its doors in 1909 in the Aichach Hospital. Over the decades, the museum underwent several relocations before finding its permanent home in the former Aichach Hospital in 1973. Sharing the building with the Aichach City Archive and a children's daycare center, the museum underwent significant renovations and expansions under the guidance of architect Werner Plöckl. It reopened with a fresh new concept on October 17, 2008, inviting visitors to explore its extensive and meticulously curated exhibits.

Exploring the Permanent Exhibition

The permanent exhibition of the Stadtmuseum Aichach is housed on the upper and attic floors, spanning approximately 1,000 square meters. It is divided into several thematic areas, each offering a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Aichach and its environs.

Sacred Art and Religious Life

This section of the museum, partly located in the former hospital chapel, showcases a remarkable collection of sculptures, paintings, and ethnographic objects from the region. Highlights include the Aichach Citizen's Nativity Scene from the mid-19th century and the altar from the St. Helena Chapel, dating back to around 1770. The Aichach Lions, believed to be fragments of a baptismal font from the 13th century, add a touch of medieval mystique to the exhibit.

City and Regional History in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period

This area delves into the development of Aichach during the late Middle Ages, with a particular focus on its connection to the House of Wittelsbach. The exhibit underscores Aichach's significance as a central location in northwestern Upper Bavaria, offering insights into its strategic and economic importance during this period.

Rural and Bourgeois Life

Step into the world of farmers, craftsmen, and guilds in this section dedicated to rural and bourgeois life. The exhibit features an array of agricultural tools, traditional costumes, and guild artifacts. A notable highlight is the grand bourgeois salon from the villa of Franz Beck, a Reichstag member and commercial councilor from Aichach. The attic floor provides further information on social life and the daily work of farmers, offering a comprehensive look at the region's agricultural heritage.

The Napoleonic Wars

This exhibit focuses on the everyday hardships, suffering, and resilience of the civilian population during the Napoleonic Wars. A unique historical document in this section is the nearly 15-meter-long collage of over 2,000 billeting slips from 1796 to 1816, meticulously assembled by Aichach innkeeper Lorenz Alois Gerhauser. This collage not only serves as a timeline of events but also provides a poignant reminder of the impact of war on the local community.

City and Regional History in the 19th and 20th Centuries

This section highlights the industrial and commercial development of Aichach during the 19th and 20th centuries. It also features an area dedicated to the history of the Aichach Women's Prison, offering a sobering look at the institution's role in the local community. The museum's participation in the annual Aichach Museum Night, held on the second Saturday evening in October, and the monthly themed tours on the first Sunday of each month, provide additional opportunities for visitors to engage with the exhibits.

The Stadtmuseum Aichach is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a vibrant center of learning and exploration, where the past comes alive through carefully curated exhibits and engaging narratives. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a casual visitor, or a local resident, the museum offers a captivating journey through the rich and varied history of Aichach, making it an essential destination for anyone visiting this picturesque Bavarian town.