Wendish-German Museum of Local History Jänschwalde / Serbsko-nimski domowniski muzej Janšojce

Gallery | Exhibitions | Offers for children

Teaching and preserving customs and language

Building / plot situation

The museum is located in the historic centre of the village, right next to the towerless neoclassical village church. Most of the exhibition is located in the rooms of the school building, which was built in 1875. The old parish barn has been converted into another museum building in keeping with its listed status. In the neighbouring stables, which, like the barn, date back to the first half of the 19th century, there are four further exhibition rooms. These give visitors an insight into everyday farming activities such as washing, churning butter, stockpiling and flax processing.

Characteristics

The Wendish-German museum of local history is located in the centre of the village. The exhibition is dedicated to the rural life of the Wendish and German population. The history of the village is brought to life with the help of farm furniture and domestic utensils. Small-scale farming technology and tools of the trade are on display. Of course, history is also illustrated here with photos, documents and certificates. The exhibits are shown as a display collection on 560 square metres. Another museum object is the parish barn opposite, which has been renovated in recent years in keeping with its listed status. The parish barn houses a gem of the local history museum: one of the last remaining funeral carriages in the region. There is also a fully functional loom. A collection of ceramics includes household vessels and artefacts from the last 300 years. The museum is consistently labelled bilingually in Wendish and German. The traditional Jänschwald costume is presented in all its facets. The museum has made a great contribution to the Jänschwald Christ Child, the "Janšojski bog". This figure is part of a regional pre-Christmas custom that has only survived to the present day in the municipality of Jänschwalde.
The museum also offers a digital experience: With the help of 360° VR glasses, you can immerse yourself in the documentary film "From flax stalk to linen wall" and go right into the middle of flax processing 100 years ago.

Special exhibitions / accompanying offers

Changing special exhibitions

• Thematic tours for school classes and tour groups are part of the programme.
• The Jänschwald Christ Child is a much sought-after tradition and is also out and about in neighbouring communities at Christmas time.

Offers for children - With Kobi to the museum

Kobi - the little house ghost - is at home in the museum. He lives there in a slipper under the stove. At midnight, he eavesdrops on the old museum pieces when they tell stories about the past. He tells these exciting stories to the museum staff, who then pass them on to the children - stories from the old, old days.

Gallery