November 20 , 2025
Guided tour of the monastery library
Where is the monastery’s library actually located? What does it look like after renovation and restructuring, what treasures does it contain?
Until now, these questions could only be answered by participants in registered group tours, but we are now really keen to enable all interested people to discover the library on monthly guided tours without prior registration. Do you have the time and desire to experience the library? Then simply come to the monastery gate at the agreed time.
Time: 16:30 – 17:30
Minimum contribution CHF 10. Assembly at 16:30 at the monastery gate
July 10 until further notice
Exhibition “Abbot election, abbot dedication, abbot pictures”
The exhibition of the Mariastein Monastery Library is dedicated to the topic of the abbot, his election, his benediction and his ab(t)-image. Using historical books from the monastery library, it shows how the role of the abbot was described. Various insignia of the abbot can be seen in the sacristy. These treasures on display focus on the central role of the abbot, starting with his election.
The exhibition is accompanied by a booklet that takes a closer look at and explains all these aspects of being an abbot.
Due to the great demand, the exhibition will be extended indefinitely and can be viewed independently during opening hours Monday – Thursday without registration.
When the new library premises were blessed on January 22, 2022 and inaugurated with a ceremony on July 2, it was clear that this part of the monastery would be open to the public to a limited extent in future. This will be made possible with guided tours, readings and exhibitions, among other things.
Library tours
As a reflection of both the history of the monastery with its exile stations and the personalities of the conventuals, the guided tours offer the opportunity to discover and experience the library and follow its eventful history.
Group tours are possible by appointment, the cost is CHF 170.00.
Please register at: sekretariat@kloster-mariastein.ch, Tel. 061 735 11 11
We offer public guided tours once a month. Registration is not necessary, we ask for a minimum contribution of CHF 10.00. You will find the next date of a public guided tour here on the website and in the printed agenda.
Exhibitions
In the exhibition showcase, various topics relating to the monastery, monastery life and the library are illustrated and presented in depth in one summer and one winter exhibition.
An explanatory brochure explaining the exhibits in the individual drawers of the showcase and placing them in a larger context is available to visitors.
The exhibitions can be visited independently and without prior appointment during the opening hours of the gate.
Readings
Readings in the monastery library are events in which literary works are made audible, either by the author themselves or by other interpreters. The monastery library offers a pleasant atmosphere in which literature can come to life and the interested public can encounter the text and the author.
Readings are part of the tradition of the oral tradition of all literature. Storytellers have often developed their works during the reading or updated them in front of their listeners.
Storytelling cafés
A storytelling café is a temporary community. It is created when strangers meet in one place and share their life stories and experiences in a moderated setting.
The anecdotal storytelling on a specific topic not only leads people to reflect on their own lives, but also strengthens mutual understanding and self-esteem and contributes to social cohesion.
Please send registrations to:
sekretariat@kloster-mariastein.ch, Tel. 061 735 11 11