The renowned Art Chamber at Forchtenstein Castle has been accepted into the Alliance of Early Universal Museums, marking a significant milestone for one of Europe's most remarkable collections. Prince Paul Esterházy I began assembling this extraordinary collection of treasures and curiosities at the end of the 17th century, creating what has become a major tourist attraction and one of the few universal collections in Europe that remains preserved at its original location.
For twenty years, Prince Paul Esterházy I dedicated himself to collecting and preserving the knowledge of the world, amassing everything from valuable automatons to exotic curiosities. The collection represents a comprehensive approach to understanding the natural and artificial wonders of the time, making it a rare example of early modern collecting practices that survived intact to the present day.
Florian Bayer, who oversees the Art Chamber, recently visited the Teylers Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands, which is among the founding members of the Alliance of Early Universal Museums. "Being part of this alliance is a great honor," Bayer explained. "Moreover, it provides us with the opportunity to engage in discussions within a platform of experts and specialists." The collaboration opens new avenues for scholarly exchange and shared expertise among institutions facing similar challenges in preserving and presenting historical collections.
The Teylers Museum, named after Pieter Teyler, a wealthy 18th-century businessman who founded and financed the institution, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving museum in the Netherlands. Director Marc de Beyer noted striking similarities between his institution and the Esterházy collection. "We also have an original collection at its original location here. All purchased objects stand in the same place as they did in the past – exactly like the Esterházy collection," de Beyer observed.
According to de Beyer, the central question that occupies the Alliance of Early Universal Museums is how an old universal collection can remain relevant to the general public in the future. This challenge reflects the broader difficulties faced by historical institutions in maintaining their significance and appeal in contemporary society while preserving their authentic character and educational value.
The alliance includes prestigious institutions such as the Museo di Palazzo Poggi in Bologna, Italy, and the Friedenstein Palace Foundation in Gotha, Germany. These museums share common challenges and opportunities in managing comprehensive historical collections that span multiple disciplines and areas of knowledge.
Next year will mark a special occasion for the Forchtenstein Castle Art Chamber, as it will host the alliance's annual conference for the first time. "We are proud hosts," Bayer stated. "We will make every effort to properly present our jewel in the castle's basement levels to our colleagues, some of whom will be visiting for the first time." This inaugural hosting opportunity represents not only an honor but also a chance to showcase the unique characteristics of the Esterházy collection to an international audience of museum professionals and scholars.
