Schussenrieder Bierkrugmuseum

Stein Collectors International

~ Schussenrieder Bierkrugmuseum ~

drawn from the following articles
Museums - A Source of Great Learning
by Patricia Manusov (Prosit, September 1995)
Every Stein in its Place
by Walt Vogdes (Prosit, September 1997)

SCI Master Steinologist Gene Manusov (left) and member Guenter Merk in front of one of the displays.

While on a recent short visit to Germany a number of museums were visited to look for steins and other drinking vessels, naturally. One of the best found is a brand new (1994) museum in the small town of Bad Schussenried, about half an hour from Ulm, called the "Schussenrieder Bierkrug Museum".

The museum is owned and operated by Jürgen Ott, who started collecting only about 1990, but in that time he has assembled an impressive array of steins. His collection features a wide variety, including early Norwegian wood, fine faience, ivory, silver and silver gilt, early Westerwald and other early stoneware, enameled milkglass, occupationals, 4-F, studentica, regimentals and characters. However, the collection is not distinguished by size, variety or technical or artistic execution. What sets it apart is the display technique: the steins are displayed thematically, in settings evocative of day-to-day German life of the period. In several cases (pun intended), mannequins have been dressed in appropriate costume and arranged with old paintings, photographs, postcards, furniture and related "props". Notable among these are the young student complete with sash, cap and foil; the monk seated for his simple meal; the fireman in full uniform carrying a fire hose; and the bicyclist (Radfahrer) with an early bicycle. The effect is to see the steins as integral parts of the rich tapestry of German life in the second half of the 19th century. The displays are located on three floors of what had once been Mr. Ott's great-grandfather's home. Extensively renovated, but leaving many touches of the old homestead, it is well worth a visit next time you are in Germany.

Located next door is the brewery, of which Mr. Ott is a third generation brewer. For his 50th birthday, he brewed a special brew for his adjoining restaurant, called Schussenrieder beer. This beer is only to be found in his restaurant here, as it is unfiltered and cannot be shipped. So when in German, stop by and sample the local butcher's (his brother-in-law's) excellent Leberkäs along with Mr. Ott's terrific beer, in his well-appointed Brotzeitstube. Hmm, I think I'll go back for another piece of that!!!!

The Schussenrieder Bierkrugmuseum is in the small town of Bad Schussenried in the Bavarian countryside, an easy and rewarding drive from "beer stein central" in Munich. (The road goes through Ulm, so don't miss the chance to see one of the most beautiful medieval cathedrals in Germany and the highest church tower in the world.) Germany has many museums with fine steins on display, but this museum provides a unique learning experience and should not be missed. Hours are 10:00 to 4:30, Tuesday through Sunday.