Museum der Kulturen Basel
Until January 11, 2026

People have always sought spirituality, not least at home in their everyday lives. This exhibition shows items such as candles, figurines, and pictures that support them in prayer and meditation. Some of them are simple and practical, others particularly beautiful and artistic.

Spirituality is not sought merely in churches, temples or ceremonial houses but also privately at home where people pray and meditate and engage in small ritual acts in everyday life. For this purpose, they rely on a variety of items, some quite small and practical, others elaborate and designed with devotion. The exhibition is all about these paraphernalia. Across five stations, visitors can immerse themselves in the spiritual sphere. The first station features images and figurines that help people practice their faith and concentrate on praying or meditating. The second station focuses on the body; through breathing, posture, movement or touch, the body itself becomes the medium of spiritual experience, often supported by things such as prayer rugs, tefillin (prayer straps) or pilgrim’s staffs. The third station is all about rhythm and repetition and features things such as prayer wheels, prayer chains as well as electronic devices such as a mantra meter. The presence of sacred niches or prayer corners at home is the topic of the fourth station. Finally, the fifth station focuses on fire and air in the form of candles, incense, and fire, which are used in many ritual practices.

https://www.mkb.ch/en/ausstellungen/2025/schoen-spirituell.html

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