Museum
Iron Library
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The Iron Library (Eisenbibliothek) in Schaffhausen is a unique institution that combines a museum, library, and archive focused on the history of iron and steel. Located in the elegant Klostergut Paradies villa, the collection spans centuries of metallurgy, from ancient ironworking to modern steel production. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts that trace the technological and cultural impact of iron. The library itself is a treasure trove for researchers, with over 40,000 volumes on mining, smelting, and metalworking. The museum portion displays historical tools, machinery, and decorative ironwork, including intricate gates and railings. The villa's serene setting along the Rhine adds to the experience, with beautiful gardens and river views. A visit here offers a fascinating glimpse into the material that shaped our industrial world.
Don't miss
- View rare manuscripts and early books on metallurgy
- See historical iron tools and machinery
- Admire decorative ironwork, including gates and railings
- Explore the library's extensive collection of mining and steel industry documents
- Stroll through the villa's gardens with views of the Rhine
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Iron Library
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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