Kulturhaus Obere Stube

The Kulturhaus Obere Stube in Stein am Rhein is a new cultural institution of the Jakob and Emma Windler Foundation.

The front part of the historic building in the old town of Stein am Rhein is characterised by the guild hall and guild room. Permanent and semi-permanent exhibitions on historical subjects are shown here. The opening exhibitions are “In the mirror of time. Stein am Rhein in the 17th century”, curated by Helga Sandl, the cultural director of the Jakob and Emma Windler Foundation and “Guild stories”, put together by curator Markus Brühlmeier.

In the rear part of the building, current topics are presented in special exhibitions where diversity plays a major role.

The floating rock fields entitled “Stone in Three Phases 2022” by Jamie North are an expression of meticulous restraint and purist abundance. This is the first time that the Australian artist is exhibiting any of his work in Switzerland.

This museum greets you in the following languages: D/F/E
Opening 2022

Current exhibitions

In the mirror of time

27.09.2022 - 31.10.2024

The conception of the world and the universe changed fundamentally in the 17th century. The sun prevailed as the centre of our cosmos.

With the aid of numerous fascinating objects from science and technology, from the world of politics and diplomacy, but also from the everyday life of the urban bourgeoisie in Stein, the exhibition offers insights into life in the 17th century.


The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/F/I/E

Guild stories

27.09.2022 - 31.10.2030

The antechamber of the guild room from 1681 is dedicated to the guilds of Stein am Rhein. Various video portraits of selected figures and animated films offer an insight into guild life in the 17th century.


The mayor and chronicler Johann Georg Winz (1699–1759) brings the history of both guilds to life for us. The Herrenstube and the Kaufleutestube were central meeting places where socialising was encouraged, business was initiated and politics was conducted.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/F/I/E