Struggle Continues for Former Coburg Puppet Museum's 2,000 Dolls to Find a New Home
Searching for a new venue to house around 2,000 dolls exhibition - Thousands of Dolls To Be Displayed at New Exhibition Site
Here's the skinny on the old Coburg Puppet Museum's 2,000 dolls that are still searching for a new swanky exhibit spot. The German Press Agency received the word from Louay Yassin, the city of Coburg's mouthpiece, that negotiations are cooking with other museums.
Most of the museum's collection, which shuttered at the end of last year, remains stashed in the Kulturfabrik Cortendorf—an art facility on the outskirts of Coburg. The municipal cultural department is brainstorming ways to unveil the 4,000 exhibits to the public again, but it ain't no walk in the park since dolls these days ain't as trendy as they were back in the '90s.
Yassin hinted that the idea of splitting the exhibition across various locations has been on the table for quite some time. However, the city no longer employs any museum educators who could properly prepare and present the goodies. The previous museum director is now holding a gig at the German Toy Museum in Sonneberg, Thuringia.
The Coburg Puppet Museum, opened as a private venture in '87 and scooped up by the city in '07, saw its visitor numbers plummet over the years. In November last year, the city council opted to dump the museum in Coburg's old town, citing dwindling visitor interest and the museum building's lack of accessibility features. Plus, the exhibition was spread across more than 30 mini-rooms, making it a tight squeeze for school classes—which made up a significant chunk of the visitors.
Initial plans for the foundation in Rodental to take over the collection and set up shop there bit the dust in '23 due to funding issues. Since last year, the dolls, houses, accessories, and other knick-knacks have been hibernating in the Kulturfabrik Cortendorf in the northeastern corner of Coburg.
The dolls and kitschy trinkets hail from around 1800 to 1960. The museum served as a time capsule of how the bourgeoisie played with their offspring. Carin and Hans Lossnitzer—a couple from Ettlingen near Karlsruhe—opened the museum in '87 and displayed their personal collection there. Two-thirds of the exhibits originated from North Franconia or South Thuringia, so the venue was plonked right smack in Coburg.
Coburg, Sonneberg, Bamberg, German Press Agency, 1990s
Needlessly to say, tracking down a new exhibition venue for 2,000 dolls ain't a stroll in the park, but here're some tips to ponder:
- Scout Museums and Cultural Centers: Nose around for museums or cultural centers that might fancy hosting a doll collection—these scallywags generally have the necessary amenities for an exhibition.
- Scope out Historic Buildings: Consider using historic buildings as a unique setting for an exhibition. However, some renovations may be required to accommodate the dolls and visitors.
- Galleries and Art Spaces: Some galleries specialize in exhibiting special collections—including dolls. They could potentially be suitable for a temporary or permanent showcase.
When snooping for an exhibition specifically tied to the Coburg Puppet Museum, it would be wise to contact local art or cultural organizations in Coburg or neighboring towns for more deets.
- The city's municipal cultural department could consider offering vocational training to individuals who can help present the Coburg Puppet Museum's collection, thereby enhancing the lifestyle of the trained individuals and improving the home-and-garden setting of the exhibits.
- As the Coburg Puppet Museum's 2,000 dolls continue their search for a new home, it is crucial that community policy includes provisions for the preservation and showcasing of such cultural artifacts, ensuring that the rich history of doll play within the bourgeoisie lifestyle is not lost to future generations.
