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The picture shows an idyllic vantage point under a large tree, from which you can look down on a rural urban landscape. A curved stone path invites you to linger and contemplate the peaceful surroundings. The leaves of the tree provide shade and create a calm, sheltered atmosphere. The view stretches across green fields and small houses to wooded hills in the distance. It is a place for reflection and contemplation, ideal for enjoying nature and the sweeping views.
The picture shows an old, open Bible, carefully displayed in a glass case in the museum. The slightly yellowed and worn condition of the book indicates its great age and the many years of use. The pages are densely printed, presumably with fine, old writing. The atmosphere radiates respect and reverence for the historical artefact, which is not only a religious work, but also a testimony to history and culture. It is a quiet moment of reflection and appreciation for the cultural heritage.

Gotthelf Centre Lützelflüh

The vicarage and museum let you experience how Albert Bitzius – also known as Jeremias Gotthelf – lived with his family.

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  • Emmental
  • Art & culture

Where Jeremias Gotthelf lived and worked

Experience the writer and preacher up close. Visitors can see what Gotthelf’s life with his family was like, where “Uli the Farmhand”, “Anne Bäbi Jowäger” and “The Black Spider” were written, where he wrote his sermons and letters, and enjoyed lively discussions and debates with his guests. In this place, the poet and the time he represents become tangible and Gotthelf himself is seemingly coming alive. His work is more topical than ever, because we still concern ourselves with the themes of his books today: child abuse, school issues, alcoholism, selfishness and egoism, superstition, and vaccination scepticism are just a few of them.

The picture shows a classic portrait of Jeremias Gotthelf, an important Swiss writer and pastor of the 19th century. Dressed formally and with a pensive look, he is holding a notebook and a pen in his hands, emphasising his role as an author and thinker. The warm colours and attention to detail lend depth to the painting and give Gotthelf a presence that points to his cultural and literary significance.
The picture shows an artistic installation in a museum in which red dummy books are stacked with the titles of literary works. The titles, such as "Der Oberamtmann und der Amtsrichter" and "Die Frau Pfarrerin," are printed in gold lettering and represent important works that are thought-provoking. The books are stacked asymmetrically, giving the arrangement a dynamic and lively appearance. This installation invites you to feel the author's creative power and to engage with his thoughts and stories. The minimalist environment draws attention to the works and their meaning.

Special exhibition: “Gotthelf’s World – illustrated”

The Gotthelf Centre is a literary museum. It is therefore in the nature of things that there is (a lot) to read. This was also true for the last special exhibitions. However, in the current exhibition “Gotthelf’s World – illustrated”, pictures and illustrations are taking centre stage.

The desire to illustrate Gotthelf’s novels and novellas already arose during his lifetime and continues to this day. The illustrated editions reflect the preferences and tastes of their time.

The picture shows a stylish special exhibition in which historical illustrations and works of art are presented. The walls are decorated in soft colours such as pink, blue and green and contain informative texts that explain the context of the works on display. Various picture frames and illustrations, including delicate drawings and historical scenes, adorn the walls and convey an impression of the artistic and cultural diversity of the era. The harmonious colour scheme and wooden parquet flooring give the room a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages visitors to carefully explore the details of the exhibition and immerse themselves in the history depicted.
© Gotthelf Zentrum Lützelflüh

However, the illustrations have also been criticised: people think that Gotthelf’s stories are told so vividly and that his characters are described so clearly that they are veritably leaping off the pages – no need for pictures. Nowadays, we barely think about the necessity of illustrations. We are used to stories being illustrated, set to music or even turned into films. But in any case, it’s very exciting to study all these different illustrations.

Location

Rainbergliweg 2
3432 Lützelflüh-Goldbach

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