Sunday 17 February 2008

Abegg Foundation

abegg

Culture time again.

The Abegg foundation in Riggisberg, not far from Bern, is home to one of the most impressive collections of textiles in Europe.

Probably the most impressive exhibit is the 7 metre long (22 feet) Dionysius wall hanging, which was made in the 4th century. Considering it's 1700 years old, it is amazingly well preserved, and shows just how ambitious our ancestors were.

The museum covers the textiles of the European Middle Ages, with a focus on the region of the ancient Silk Route.

There's also an exhibition of medieval Chinese dress: Dragons of Silk, Flowers of Gold. This covers the Liao Dynasty, which ran from 907-1125 AD.

Unbelievably luxurious, there are the expected lions, dragons as well as a few phoenixes. And porcelain lovers are looked after too, with a selection of vases, urns etc. So, if you are in any way interested in Chines history, this place is worth a trip.

It's only open from April to October though, and only from 2pm to 5pm, so don't rush along just yet!

Abegg Stiftung
Werner-Abegg-Strasse 67
CH-3132 Riggisberg
+41(0)31 808 12 01

www.abegg-stiftung.ch

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