Historisches Museum Basel - Haus zum Kirschgarten

The Haus zum Kirschgarten is a hidden treasure in Basel that takes you straight into the refined world of the 18th century. Spending 2 to 3 hours here is the perfect way to explore the beautifully preserved rooms and learn how the city’s elite once lived. The collection of clocks is absolutely breathtaking. Every space feels authentic, filled with elegant furniture, silver, porcelain, and fascinating details. The collection of historic scientific instruments is truly impressive. The staff are friendly and happy to answer any questions. There’s short info in English throughout the museum, which really helps with understanding. A peaceful, educational, and inspiring experience for history lovers and curious travellers alike. Absolutely worth a visit if you are in the area, highly recommend.

Not a huge museum person but this place is great. See what a home, furniture, styles, clocks, toys, were like 100’s of years ago. So interesting! Some beautiful things. We went fast and took 1.5 hrs. Could spend much more time there. Used the QR code for English translation and it worked great. Staff very helpful and friendly. Museum is four floors (so a number of stairs to go up and down) and it is warm inside. Need to leave bags, back packs in locker (free of charge). Do have nice toilet if needed on main level.

For me it was the most interesting museum in Basel. They have an impressive collection of old clocks and other instruments for measuring time, astrolabes, compasses, globes. A series of rooms are set up as they were when the mansion housing the museum was built, to help you get an idea of how people lived in those times. You can also see old furniture, old kitchenware, porcelain, toys. You need at least two hours to visit it. The museum also has a small garden, with a gazebo, very nice! One minus: the lack of descriptions in English.

What a find. A treasure of national and Basel specific artefacts that could easily have been lost to history. Well presented. Display write ups are generally written in German, but they have a very good online tool, easy to use, and uses free in-house Wifi. Minimum time 2 hours. We took 4 but could have gone longer (if only they had refreshments available 🤷🏻).

A large house museum with many exhibits. The first halls with the clocks are extremely beautiful. We were also very impressed with the toys on the top floor. The house itself is majestic and huge. A must visit.

This beautiful and historic house is full of fascinating rooms and treasures. There is far more to see than you might expect from outside. The collections of clocks and watches and of toys are especially good. Don't miss the garden, too. Very friendly and helpful staff.

The Haus zum Kirschgarten was built around 1780 by the Burckhardt family. The house was the best there was at the time. Today part of the Hustorisches Museum Basel is housed in the building. Half of the Dad Museum consists of one part in which a lot of exhibition items such as clocks, pictures and furniture can be seen. The other half is the residential building with different rooms in various styles

A nice exhibition about the everyday life of a wealthy family in the 18th and 19th century. One can pick up a lot of information about the structure of the Swiss society that time. A large collection of watches, toys and China is included as well. Some titles and descriptions are only in German.