More than 10,000 objects from the Roman Empire to the 20th Century provide a fascinating insight into the world of locking systems. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces are highlights of the exhibition. On display are keys for guns and keys to lock away indulgence money, locks with musical mechanisms and those which have hidden shooting devices. The unusual widowers’ and chamberlains’ keys also have captivating stories to tell.

The exhibits in the collection are primarily from Austria, Southern Germany and Central Europe. There are also a number of objects from China, Tibet, Nepal, India, Persia, Afghanistan and Africa, collected by Hanns Schell on his numerous mountaineering expeditions. The extensive collection of Tuareg locks is truly unique.

The exhibits in the collection are primarily from Austria, Southern Germany and Central Europe. There are also a number of objects from China, Tibet, Nepal, India, Persia, Afghanistan and Africa, collected by Hanns Schell on his numerous mountaineering expeditions. The extensive collection of Tuareg locks is truly unique.