Imagine that your German grandparents collected a lot of random art and artifacts and then decided…read moreto display them in Snow White's castle.
That is the Spessartmuseum.
Loved exploring this very eclectic museum. We went because a man at the information desk at the Lohr City Visitor Center said that there was a collection of Jewish religious artifacts in the museum, but there was so much more.
Not sure exactly how the museum is organized, but the collections are roughly grouped into themes. There are rooms filled with local traditional crafts like glassmaking, ironworking, pottery, shipbuilding, and more. Other rooms are filled with objects from a day in the life of common villagers as well as royalty. And, of course, there is a room dedicated to Snow White with the talking mirror.
The corner section dedicated to Jewish art and religious artifacts was very interesting. In addition to the torahs, prayer books and kiddush cup, there was a digital display that told the history of the Jews in the region. Synagogues and communities that were no longer there. Personal stories of families. Photos of historic cemeteries. The exhibit on Jewish Life commemorates the historic heritage of the area that was almost wiped out by the Holocaust. The digital display was one of the few areas where the information was in both English and German. I found it so fascinating and engaging.
So, what is the connection to Snow White?
A young woman lived in a castle, officially known as Kurmainzer Schloss, that was founded in the 14th century by the Counts of Rieneck. It was later adapted by the Electors of Mainz. According to our guide, Maria Sophia Margaretha Catharina von Erthal was a real historical figure who lived in the castle during the 1700s. She is believed to be the inspiration for Snow White. Maria Sophia was the daughter of Philipp von Erthal, who was a nobleman in Mainz. After the tragic death of her parent, she faced a cruel stepmother which mirrors the Grimm Brothers fairytale plot. The story's "magic mirror" is thought to have been a real glass/mirror from the castle and the "seven dwarfs" may have been inspired by short‑statured miners who worked nearby in the Spessart Forest and wore hooded clothing.
On a visit to Lohr, I would highly recommend a visit to this museum. So interesting to explore "Snow White's" castle to learn more about this charming city.
