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—a museum within a museum. Hundreds of closely spaced specimens spread across five floors showcase the diversity of the local birdlife in particular. Stemmler’s drawings and photographs document his commitment to the natural world and his creative power.

Throughout his life, Carl 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. In his collection we find bird species such as the hazel grouse, the red-backed shrike, and the little owl, which have long been extinct in the Schaffhausen region. Furthermore, a nest demonstrates that a hundred years ago capercaillies occasionally still bred on the Randen.

Today the attic is home to a community of forest animals. Here children can playfully engage with nature in a variety of ways.