Join in – do it yourself

What is strictly forbidden in other museums is allowed at Ballenberg. In the house from Oberentfelden(221) which has been furnished with specially chosen historical items, everything can be touched and tried. There is plenty to do both inside the house and outside whatever the season. Our guests are warmly invited to join in, ask questions, watch – the choice is yours. The "hands-on-house" can be enjoyed daily from 10 am till 5 pm.

The hobby workshop in the Dwelling from Matten, Berne (1021) invites you to do-it-yourself. The hand plane is used to work on wooden surfaces, joints and edges. You can try this tool at the workbench  and take your piece of wood with you. On the second table there are materials that have been found, are off-cuts or collected for recycling which are ready to be used for handicrafts. Find ideas on site in the sketch book. You can also record your project in the book for other visitors.

Sewing using a machine but zero electricity – is that possible? Come and try it out for yourself in the vintner’s house from Richterswil, Zurich (611). Cottage industries were a vital source of additional income for large sections of the rural population. Individual family members and sometimes entire families would work as spinners, weavers, embroiderers and seamstresses at home and later in factories. They worked for an employer who delivered the materials and later collected the finished products. Aprons and shirts are examples of goods that were sewn. Experience this process up close and have a go yourself in the vintner’s house from Richterswil.

An elf and his helpers meet at the edge of the woods. They are the principle figures in the exhibition "Enchanted Forest" and lead the children from one theme to another. The exhibition offers children numerous interactive elements where they can experience and explore the enchanted forest with all their senses.