The Fürstenberg Collections (Fürstlich Fürstenbergische Sammlungen) are the private museum of the house of Fürstenberg, and thus a remarkable record of the house of nobility’s acquisition efforts and commitment as a patron. The building erected exclusively for museum purposes houses an extensive art history collection. Among the highlights count magnificent exhibits from the princely art collection. With Anselm Kiefer, a native of Donaueschingen, one of the most significant artists of our times is also represented. The eventful past of the house of Fürstenberg is also depicted in the museum. Items from the ruling family, valuable weapons and richly ornate uniforms can be viewed. Indeed, who on earth would expect to find Napoleon’s travel urinal and plates from his silverware collection in Donaueschingen?
The natural history collections are essentially a museum within the museum and date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, a time in which an interest was finally taken in the many wonders of nature in all their diversity. Stuffed animals from around the globe: bears, tigers and armadillos, birds of paradise and eagles, reptiles preserved in spirits, mammoth and dinosaur bones make a tour of this part of the museum also something of an experience for young culture enthusiasts.
