Emil Sigerus Museum of Saxon Ethnography and Folk Art

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## A Treasure of Saxon Culture in the Heart of Sibiu The Emil Sigerus Museum of Saxon Ethnography and Folk Art is located at No. 21 Small Square in Sibiu, housed in a historic building that holds one of the most important collections dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Transylvanian Saxons. Part of the ASTRA National Museum Complex, the museum is named after the illustrious ethnographer and collector Emil Sigerus (1854–1947), whose passion for local traditions laid the foundation for this treasure. The building itself, though not part of the city’s medieval heritage, is an example of traditional Saxon architecture adapted to modern museum needs. The permanent exhibitions are organized in bright halls, where objects are presented in thematic contexts, recreating the atmosphere of homes and craft workshops from past centuries in Transylvania. ## Collections That Tell Stories of Centuries The museum houses over 8,200 items, grouped into three major collections. The ceramics and glass section impresses with 4,000 exhibits created between the 17th and 19th centuries in Saxon and Hungarian ceramic centers of the region. Here, visitors can find household vessels, decorative tiles, and glassware, each piece reflecting stylistic influences and techniques specific to different periods. The collection of traditional costumes, textiles, and embroideries includes 3,657 items, of which 957 are embroidered textiles dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Traditional costumes, towels, and tablecloths, meticulously crafted, illustrate the richness of symbols and decorative motifs specific to Saxon communities. Painted furniture, represented by 357 pieces, completes the picture of traditional interiors: wardrobes, dowry chests, tables, and chairs, decorated with floral or geometric motifs, dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries. ## Visitor’s Guide The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM). The admission ticket also includes access to other attractions within the ASTRA Complex, such as the Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization. For a complete experience, visitors are recommended to allocate at least an hour and a half to explore the permanent and temporary exhibitions. The building is accessible to people with disabilities, and guides offer tours in Romanian, German, and English upon request.