Culture
New Glarus has a magic all its own—a charm based on a deep appreciation for our Swiss founders. It's reflected in our music, our food, our architecture, our pastimes, even in our jokes. We hold in our hearts the traditions of our founders, but lovingly pass them down to our children and proudly share them with all who come to learn and enjoy.
Digital Collection > New Glarus and Green County Historic Photo Archive
Swiss Center of North America
A unique, interactive experience that inspires awareness and understanding of our Swiss roots
New Glarus is proud to be the home of the Swiss Center of North America. Connecting, archiving, showcasing, educating, promoting and celebrating all that is Swiss in North America. Stop in on your next visit to New Glarus!
Swiss Center of North America
507 Durst Road
New Glarus, WI 53574
info@theswisscenter.org
608-527-6565
The Swiss Historical Village Museum opened in 1942. Now the museum has 14 different buildings that tell the story of New Glarus. Beginning in the Hall of History, visitors learn about how nearly 100 Swiss immigrants left their homeland in Switzerland to begin a new life here in Wisconsin in 1845.
The Swiss Historical Village Museum's different buildings focus on each part of New Glarus history. There's an authentic 1850s log cabin, an 1890s cheese factory, a one-room schoolhouse, a firehouse, a print shop, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and a replica of the town's first log church.
Inside the museum's gift shop, there's an assortment of souvenirs and books about New Glarus. Snacks and soft drinks are also available.
HOURS
May 24 through Oct 15
Open Daily/Seven Days a Week
10am to 4pm
Group Tours and Buses
Group tours and busses are welcome starting May 1 through October 31, 2019 by advance appointment.
Scheduled bus groups/groups of 10+ people
Any day of the week
To schedule your group tour, please call
(608) 527-2317
(800) 527-6838
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ADMISSION
Adults: $9
Children: $3
AAA Discounts
Ample parking
Group tours welcome by appointment
Swiss Historical Village
612 7th Avenue
New Glarus, WI 53574
(608) 527-2317
(800) 527-6838
Open Memorial Day weekend through October 15
Located in beautiful New Glarus, this house holds the unique collection of Edwin Barlow. Barlow was a resident of New Glarus and the founder of the Wilhelm Tell Drama—one of New Glarus' most popular festivals.
The chalet was built in 1937, and it's an authentic copy of a Swiss Bernese mountain chalet. Inside, visitors can take a tour and learn about its eclectic collection from Barlow's travels around the world. There are three full floors of painted furniture, antique silver and pewter, original artwork, paintings and etchings, samplers, prints, Swiss scissors cuttings, quilts, fabrics, antique glass and china, coins, stamps, Swiss woodcarvings, Swiss dolls, and more!
The collection also includes a jeweled watch once owned by King Louis XVI, 2000-year-old Etruscan earrings, Gregorian chants on parchment—one of the world's oldest forms of written music—dating from 1485, 17th century Bolivian silvered gourd jewelry cases, a 300-year-old Swiss slate and wood inlaid table, and a Swiss porcelain tile stove made in 1760.
Come and enjoy this very unique museum in the heart of America's Little Switzerland!
Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum
618 2nd St
New Glarus, WI 53574
(608) 527-2614
HOURS
Festival Weekend Hours
Sat 10am – 3pm
Sun 10am – 3pm
Labor Day Weekend Hours (Wilhelm Tell Festival)
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Group & Bus Tours Available by Appointment
Please contact us one of three ways:
Group Tours Chalet of the Golden Fleece
PO Box 713
New Glarus, WI
53574
New Glarus Chamber of Commerce
P: 608.527.2614
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AAA and Senior Citizen Discounts
Visit the Chalet of the Golden Fleece on Facebook
