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Kids Zone
A wonderland for children. Here one can play with battery operated trains.
A Napoleonic train
The Emperor Napoleon III may not be found in person in the Baumgartner Gallery but his train certainly can. This was constructed in 1856 by the engineer Polonceau for the society of the Paris-Orleans railway in collaboration with the interior design architect Viollet le Duc
Tanks and harmless weapons
Engineer Virgilio Curino, one of many private donors, who bequeathed their collections to the Baumgartner Gallery, created beautiful and delicate models of weapons and tanks which were used by the German army during their military campaigns. A real delight for visitors.
The Baumgartner Gallery: a success story
Originally the building was a pasta making factory called “La Spiga”. Then Bruno Baumgartner (1930-2015) took over bringing with him his collector’s passion, his desire to share this passion with others, coupled with his entrepreneurial skills.
The exhibition covers an area of 2,320 square meters and comprises three floors with 2,540 meters of tracks and space for 3,000 objects from the Baumgartner collection and numerous other private collections. There is something here for all tastes.
Here we are, therefore, with the abbreviation GB with it’s brand name registered in honour of the magnificent Gotthard Railway (GotthardBahn). Since 2000 the GB-Baumgartner Gallery is a well established and appreciated meeting place for passionate collectors and builders of model trains. On various floors of the building one can find well known and prestigious brands such as Märklin, Fulgurex, Hermann, Metrop and Rivarossi. This large collection, unique in it’s type, fascinates a competent and international public.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The Baumgartner Gallery is open continuously from 09.30 to 17.30 every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Furthermore it will open on 22nd and 23rd April 2019. The Gallery will remain closed on 21st April 2019.
On 19th May 2019, International Museum Day, ticket prices are reduced.
Entry prices
| Adults | CHF | 12.- | ||
| Pensioners | CHF | 10.- | ||
| Children (6 to 16 years) | CHF | 6.- | ||
| Families (2 adults with children) | CHF | 30.- | ||
| Groups (minimum 20 persons) | CHF | 9.- | per person | |
| Guided visits (90 minutes) | CHF | 100.- |
Free Entry
Free entry for members of Raiffeisen, including 3 children, with Maestro Card, V PAY card, Mastercard or Raiffeisen Visa Card
Free entry also for Raiffeisen Youth Card Maestro or V PAY
Free entry for Swiss Museum passport holders and Swiss Travel System
History of the Railway
Toy trains from all different periods, unique examples, some very curious, models built with love and attention to detail and faithful to the original, all invite us on a train journey of discovery of the history of the Swiss and international railways.
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Shop
Almost everything a model railway enthusiast desires can be purchased in the shop. For example, models from various producers, accessories, toys, books, magazines and DVDs. A professional consultancy is provided.
Cafeteria
Refreshments are available at the cafeteria. Small birthday parties can also be arranged.
Shares, bonds, stamps
In addition to the model railway trains exhibited, the Baumgartner Gallery also has a wide selection of value cards, shares and bonds of railway and oil company societies from earlier times. These provide a graphic and significant insight into an economic world now passed. Stamps and illustrated postcards from previous times are also on view.
Tanks
German army tanks, armoured vehicles and weaponry, reproduced in minimum detail, remind us of the dramatic military campaigns carried out during the 2nd world war.
Sailing Ships
In addition to trains, ships from the first ever galley ships, to sailing ships and to steamers also relate the history of merchant traffic, transport and people.
War Ships
War ships, speed boats, torpedo boat destroyers and aircraft carriers not only document military events but also illustrate, in a very precise way, the history of technical progress.
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Via S.Franscini 24 / P.O.Box 1457
CH-6850 Mendrisio / TI
Tel. +41 (91) 6 400 400
Fax +41 (91) 6 400 409