Boutique Museums: Loaf here

One of the most unusual and fascinating small museums that my husband, Gordon, and I have ever visited is the Museum of Bread Culture (Salzstadelgasse 10, 89073 Ulm, Germany; phone +49 731 69955, fax 731 6021161, www.brotmuseum-ulm.de). It’s located only a few blocks (easy walking distance) from the magnificent Ulm Cathedral.

The museum examines the history of bread making, from ancient to modern times, around the world. A time line of exhibits shows the various kinds of grains used in baking bread, the progression of ovens from their beginnings, bread plates and platters, and much more, all the while emphasizing the importance that bread has played in the sustenance and nutrition of humans through the ages.

Of special interest to us were the many paintings of loaves of bread plus other bread-themed artwork displayed throughout the museum.

The museum was founded in 1955. We visited it in the summer of 1999. According to current information, the museum has over 18,000 objects and works of art, of which 700 are on display.

10-5 daily, except 10-8:30 Wednesday. €3.50 (near $4.60) adult.

AUDREY HENRY

Newberry, SC