A medieval model with a future
The term ‘Bauhütte’ (builders’ hut or church masons’ guild) originates from the Middle Ages when craftsmen joined forces to tackle large building projects. Even today, such a model can be an appropriate and promising framework for the maintenance and restoration of a living cultural asset such as the Convent of St John at Müstair. In the case of the convent, the model consists in the monastic community, the Stiftung Pro Kloster St. Johann in Müstair foundation and the archaeological and conservation services of the Canton of Graubünden all working together closely.
Multiple institutions and flexible employees
Various institutions are involved in the ‘guild’. At the centre is the monastic community in its capacity as the owner and user of the site. The foundation takes care of restoration and construction work with private donations and public subsidies. The archaeological research accompanying the construction work is sponsored by the Graubünden Archaeological Service and supported by other institutions on a project-by-project basis.
Since February 2004, Müstair has had the Bauhütte. a ‘builders’ guild’ which is responsible for the maintenance of the monastic complex. This organisational model can cover a wide range of ongoing needs and respond flexibly to changing requirements.
The Bauhütte is the centre coordinating the various functions and tasks. These range from research, documentation and archiving to long-term planning, construction management, restoration, maintenance, bookkeeping, foundation management, communications and public relations.
To the Bauhütte and Archaeology Team
