Probably the most beautiful house on Lake Constance, the "Haus zum Cavazzen" is located on Lindau's market square. With its mighty hipped roof and fascinating façade painting, the magnificent baroque building is one of the most striking structures in the island town of Lindau. After six years of extensive renovation, the historic building with its unique curved roof now shines in new/old splendor and invites you on a journey through the centuries with the completely redesigned exhibition from 18 May 2025.

This baroque gem was built between 1728 and 1729 according to the plans and model of the Swiss architect Jakob Grubenmann after a devastating fire in the town. In addition to the elaborately painted façades, the unusually high curved roof immediately catches the eye, a masterpiece of construction engineering at the time. It is not for nothing that the art historian Georg Dehio describes it as "one of the most beautiful Baroque town houses in the Lake Constance region". The name Cavazzen probably comes from the "de Kawatz" family, who once lived on this site in the 16th century and moved here from Lombardy. Centrally located on Lindau Island on the market square, the museum now presents itself as an open house for everyone with its fresh concept, changing special exhibitions and the café in the inner courtyard. If you want to delve deeper into Lindau's history, you can find out that the small town has always been more than just a tranquil island in the Swabian Sea. As early as the 15th century, the "Lindau Messenger" traveled between Lindau and Milan, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also used this transport service on the way back from his trip to Italy. Lindau patrician families were connected throughout Europe, members of the Bavarian royal family spent their summer retreats here, and Nobel Prize winners have met on the island in Lake Constance every year since 1951. The world met and still meets in Lindau.

Cavazzen Museum Lindau, photo Christian Flemming

All these stories are now retold in the Cavazzen, while the building itself is a valuable exhibit. Built in 1729/30 by Swiss master builder Jakob Grubenmann, the Cavazzen impresses from the outside with its magnificent façade and impressive three-storey roof. For around 200 years, it was home to the bustling patrician and aristocratic Seutter von Loetzen family. About a century ago, the palace came into the hands of the city through a foundation and has since been the museum of the people of Lindau, impressing visitors nationwide with art exhibitions on classical modernism in recent years.
Most recently, the baroque beauty was in a desolate state - the cellar was damp, the foundations had sunk and the roof truss was dilapidated. But now, after a thorough renovation, the Cavazzen is more beautiful than ever: long-forgotten and whitewashed ceiling paintings have been rediscovered, gilding has been uncovered and the building has been upgraded with a modern museum concept. Interactive stations allow very different approaches, offering an exciting and varied journey through the centuries. In 2026, the successful art exhibitions will also return to the Cavazzen.
From now on, the Cavazzen will be more than just a museum: a charming café in the inner courtyard invites visitors to linger, while concerts and parties are planned in the vaulted cellar. An extensive educational program will bring people together and engage them in conversation. And make the Cavazzen a place for Lindau residents and their guests all year round. Look forward to a unique historical and contemporary experience at the Cavazzen!
Open all year round
www.kultur-lindau.de