Shortly before his death, the Schaffhausen furrier as well as animal and nature conservationist Carl Stemmler (1882–1971) bequeathed his private museum to the city of Schaffhausen. To this day it has remained a cabinet of curiosities, and thanks to its largely original presentation and labeling, it is now considered a unique example in the museum landscape. Hundreds of densely packed specimens show the diversity of the local bird life in particular. In addition, Stemmler’s drawings and photographs document his commitment to the natural world and his creative power.

Throughout his life, Stemmler was particularly committed to the protection of the golden eagle and the bearded vulture. His writings, specimens, and collected nest contents still attest to this today.