Glasmuseum Wertheim

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Wertheim in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the Glasmuseum Wertheim is a captivating destination for anyone fascinated by the art and science of glassmaking. This unique museum, founded in 1976, offers an immersive journey through the history and applications of glass, from ancient times to contemporary high-tech products. With 650 square meters of exhibition space and around 16,000 visitors annually, the museum is a vibrant hub of cultural and educational activity.

The History of the Glasmuseum Wertheim

The Glasmuseum Wertheim is housed in two historic half-timbered buildings, the Kallenbach'sches Haus (or Großes Haus) from 1577 and a neighboring house from 1588 known as the Kleines Haus. These buildings, separated by a charming courtyard, provide a fittingly historic backdrop for the museum's extensive collection. The museum's founder, Hans Löber, was a glass physicist from Thuringia who moved to Wertheim in 1950 and established a laboratory glassworks. His passion for glass led him to collect historic glass pieces from various epochs, which eventually formed the core of the museum's collection.

Since its inception, the Glasmuseum Wertheim has undergone several expansions and renovations, continually enhancing its exhibits and visitor experience. One notable exhibition in 1994 featured the works of Wilhelm Wagenfeld, showcasing the evolution of his designs from initial sketches to finished products. This exhibition highlighted Wagenfeld's dedication to creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing glassware.

Exploring the Museum

Visitors to the Glasmuseum Wertheim are greeted by a stunning glass bead tree, over one meter tall and crafted in the style of an East German Christmas pyramid. The museum's ground floor houses a shop offering replicas of historical glass pieces, contemporary glass art, and Christmas ornaments made in the museum's own workshop. Here, visitors can watch a glassblower at work, manipulating glass rods and tubes in front of a 1600-degree Celsius flame. During the Advent season, museum staff demonstrate the art of silvering glass Christmas ornaments, adding a festive touch to the experience.

The museum's upper floors present a comprehensive overview of glass history, spanning over 3,000 years. Exhibits include ancient glass from Egypt, the Roman Empire, and the Orient, as well as medieval European glass and its artistic and technical developments in the modern era. The museum's displays are organized alphabetically, allowing visitors to explore the collection based on their interests. Highlights include regional Waldglas (forest glass) from the Spessart area, Silesian and Bohemian cut glass from the 18th century, Venetian winged glass, and modern high-tech glass products from Wertheim's specialized glass industry.

Interactive and Special Exhibits

One of the museum's most engaging features is the Spielstationen-Parcours, an interactive play station circuit with 35 glass-themed activities. This hands-on exhibit, inspired by the German Association of Children's and Youth Museums, invites visitors of all ages to explore the many facets of glass through play. Since 2016, the museum has also displayed the Alois-Wienand Collection, featuring 75 reproductions of historical glass pieces. These reproductions were created using techniques from the Middle Ages and early modern period, meticulously researched and recreated by Alois Wienand, a former glassmaker from the Wertheim glassworks.

The Kleines Haus

The Kleines Haus offers deeper insights into the cultural history of glass. One of its standout exhibits is the historical Christmas ornament collection, which traces the evolution of these festive decorations from 1840 to the present day. The collection is complemented by the Wertheimer Glasbaum, a three-meter-tall glass tree created by the artist couple Bormann-Arndt.

Another fascinating exhibit is the Glass Bead Cabinet, which houses the collection of archaeologist Thea Elisabeth Haevernick. This collection includes over 3,000 glass beads from the 1st millennium BC to the Middle Ages, as well as modern glass beads. The Scientific Glass Cabinet, established in 2001, showcases the role of glass in scientific advancements, featuring the work of notable scientists like Galileo, Newton, and Edison.

In 2015, the museum added the Paperweight Cabinet, displaying 800 paperweights from the collection of Peter von Brackel. These intricate glass objects illustrate the history of paperweights from 1840 to the present day. The museum also offers an Energy Parcours, a mobile exhibit with 28 experimental and playful stations designed to educate children and teenagers about energy and promote sustainable thinking and behavior.

Special Exhibitions

The Glasmuseum Wertheim regularly hosts special exhibitions that showcase a wide range of glassmaking techniques and themes. Past exhibitions have included works by Vera Liskowa, featuring mouth-blown glass from Czechoslovakia, and displays of modern glass art from the USA. Other exhibitions have focused on themes such as ships in bottles, perfume bottles, and postage stamps with glass motifs.

In conclusion, the Glasmuseum Wertheim is not just a museum; it is a celebration of the art, science, and history of glass. Its diverse exhibits, interactive displays, and special exhibitions offer something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the fascinating world of glass. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious, the Glasmuseum Wertheim promises an enriching and enjoyable experience.