Kirwa Museum in the Amberg-Sulzbach district: First steps towards reality!

Kirwa Museum in the Amberg-Sulzbach district: First steps towards reality!

Something is happening in the Amberg-Sulzbach district - a Kirwamuseum could open the doors to a real treasure of tradition and culture. At a meeting in the district office, the Kirwa communities and committed alumni came together to develop central content and ideas for the possible museum. The workshop is part of a feasibility study prepared by the frankonzept agency from Würzburg and supported by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs as part of regional management funding. Central Bavarian reports that the study should be completed in spring 2026 and the results will be presented to the public.

One aim of this study is to examine whether a museum on the subject of Kirwa cultural heritage can be realized in the Amberg-Sulzbacher Land. During the workshop there was a lively discussion about opportunities for participation and offers for alumni. The focus here is on the stories behind the music, costume and the changes in the Kirwa nature, as Dagmar Stonus from frankonzept emphasizes. It becomes clear: the enthusiasm of the Kirwa people is great and the transition from intangible cultural heritage to material museum culture is in full swing.

Long-term perspectives and support

Regina Wolfohr, a tourism expert and the initiator of the project, emphasizes that careful planning is necessary, especially given the current budget situation. District Administrator Richard Reisinger (CSU) is also optimistic and is in favor of the project. In his view, a sound financial basis is crucial for the success of this project and cultural cooperation in the district.

What makes a Kirwamuseum so special? The Intangible Cultural Heritage (IKE), as recognized by UNESCO, plays a central role. IKE encompasses living traditions that provide communities with identity and continuity, ranging from dance, theater, music, customs and festivals to ancestral knowledge and traditional craft techniques. These traditions are passed down from generation to generation and are continually evolving. Bavaria joined the UNESCO Convention on the Conservation of Intangible Heritage in 2013 and aims to make these cultural expressions visible and support their preservation and development.

The workshop in the Amberg-Sulzbach district is not only a first step towards a Kirwamuseum, but also an important contribution to the preservation and celebration of the regional heritage, which is deeply rooted in the identity of the people. Let's stay tuned for future developments and the results of the feasibility study.