(c) by Geigenbaumuseum. All rights reserved.
Description [EN]
In Markt Mittenwald, in the Upper Bavarian district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Geigenbaumuseum Mittenwald presents the development of regional musical instrument making and its close connection to the local history.
The museum was founded in 1930 and has been housed since 1960 in one of Mittenwald’s oldest buildings. Violin making shaped life in the community from the 17th century onward and made the town a significant centre of musical instrument making in Germany.
The exhibits comprise an extensive, high-quality collection, primarily violins, supplemented by violas and cellos. The focus is on Baroque Mittenwald instruments; in addition, pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries and works by contemporary workshops are shown. Numerous instruments originate from Matthias Klotz as well as from his descendants and pupils.
The presentation introduces a historical violin-maker’s workshop and shows the individual steps of instrument construction. The display is complemented by scent samples of typical materials such as varnishes, listening samples and historical films. In a demonstration workshop, small groups gain direct insight into the craft processes.