Special exhibition 2025/26 "OLD CHRISTMAS AND CHILDREN'S BOOKS" at the Harrachstal Christmas Museum

The Harrachstal Christmas Museum recalls old Christmas traditions, presents Christmas tree decorations made of various materials, paper nativity scenes, old toys and countless lovely things that remind us of Christmas in the past.

This year's special exhibition is dedicated to the topic of OLD CHRISTMAS AND CHILDREN'S BOOKS from 1838 to 1950

The Christmas and children's books in the exhibition were written between 1838 and 1950 and provide an insight into times, themes and social circumstances that have already faded for us. They are part of our cultural heritage, which enables us to put ourselves in the shoes of other times, to marvel at them, to reflect on them critically and to learn. The books are more or less elaborately decorated depending on the period and economic possibilities. They are always lovingly and carefully designed. The illustrations in particular reflect the spirit and taste of the time.

The Christmas book. Eine Festgabe für die Jugend by Heinrich Adamy, for example, features ten full-page chromolithographs. These multicolored prints were made after watercolors by Carl Offterdinger. A second edition of the magnificent Christmas volume from around 1880 is presented.

The Orbis sensualium pictus (The World in Pictures), also known as Orbis pictus, a textbook for children widely used in Europe from the 17th to the 19th century, which sought to convey languages and encyclopaedic knowledge in a child-friendly way with the help of pictures, was written by Johann Amos Comenius and first appeared in 1658. A special reprint from 1838 with over 300 lithographed illustrations can be seen in the Christmas Museum.

The Hermann Kaulbach picture book with texts by Adelheid Stier and illustrations by the painter Hermann Kaulbach is available in an edition which, as can be read in the dedication, was given to dear Karli by Aunt Mizzi for Christmas 1918.

Of course, Charles Dickens is not missing from the exhibition either: The Christmas Story, originally titled A Christmas Carol, became a classic soon after its first publication in 1843 and is available in the Christmas Museum in the form of a reprint. In addition to individual first editions and many beautifully designed volumes, there is also a very old edition of the fairy tale King Nutcracker and Poor Reinhold by Heinrich Hoffmann, who also wrote the famous Struwwelpeter.


Please note that a visit to the museum is only possible with a guided tour!
During the tour, you will be reminded of old Christmas traditions and see
Christmas tree decorations made from various materials, paper nativity scenes, old toys and countless
countless lovely things that remind us of Christmas in the past.
You can find more information on our website. The guided tours take place at 10:00 and 14:00 (closed on 24.12.). Admission is free, we ask for a small donation for the preservation of the museum.

Evening and special tours are available for groups of 10 people or more by telephone appointment