The Lohri House

In Zug‘s unique old town in the heart of Switzerland, you will find the Oldest House of Goldsmiths in the World. It is documented that goldsmith craftsmanship has continuously been practiced in this historical building since 1620. Today, the Lohri family practices and celebrates this tradition in the second generation. 

In early 2016, the house was reopened in the Empire style after elaborate renovation and restoration in collaboration with the department of preservation of historical buildings. On these unique premises, you will now find noble watches and fine handmade jewellery.

The Lohri House on Wikipedia

A golden history

Zug has enjoyed a long tradition of goldsmithing and silversmithing. From the 16th century onwards, the Reformation took place in the large Swiss cities such as Zurich, Bern, Basel and Geneva. Zug remained catholic and its experienced goldsmiths and silversmiths were able to benefit from commissions from the catholic church and therefore establish a good reputation throughout all of Switzerland. 

To maintain an international renown, the Zug smiths sent their offspring and their assistants to train in Nuremberg and Augsburg – the greatest goldsmithing metropolises at the time. This kept the goldsmith trade in Zug alive. Throughout the centuries, the historical house on Neugasse 27 was used by various goldsmiths for dwelling, working and trading. These respected citizens were often also active statesmen and councillors in Zug and its surroundings.

The 16th-century showroom

The distinctive vaulted room in the ground floor of the house dates back to the beginning of the 16th century, when the Neugasse was first built. The impressive pillars near the entrance offer a first glimpse into the uniqueness of the premises. The ceiling is adorned by elaborate grisaille paintings with laurel motifs. This artistic painting method is characterized by its grey, white and black tones and was chosen as a recurring theme to decorate the interior of the house and give it a characteristic note. Today, the showroom in the ground floor houses a select range of watches and jewellery form world-renowned manufacturers such as Panerai, Omega and Ole Lynggaard.

Historical jewels in the perfect setting

On the first floor of the building, jewellery enthusiasts can purchase rarities from the Lohri Unique Vintage Jewels collection, an exclusive selection of antique jewellery. There is also a small private collection of unique gems from bygone eras that can be admired here. The newly restored Empire style premises appear predestined for housing such unforgettable and timeless pieces, most of which are from the 19th and 20th century. Among these you will find treasures from renowned designers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Fabergé. During the restoration of the premises here, findings of the original wallpapers and wall coverings were found. To commemorate these discoveries, the walls of these rooms have been adorned with finely-patterned wallpaper in blue and grey tones and matching plain-coloured panels.

The Wedding Ring Salon

On the second floor of the building, a romantic, dreamlike world opens to the visitor. In our lovingly furnished Wedding Ring Salon with golden chandeliers, finely-patterned wallpaper, floral arches and exquisite furnishings, you will feel like you are in a fairy tale. Here, tradition and continuity are practiced and celebrated and dreams of jewellery are created for your future togetherness. The center of the ceiling is adorned with a stucco medallion featuring cherubs – a unique piece dating from 1780 acquired by the Lohri family from the historic preservation office of Thurgau. The painted frieze surrounding the medallion is entirely based on motifs from sketches by Karl Amade Spillmann, the goldsmith who re-edified the house in 1806 on top of the 16th-century ground floor.

A landmark for the city

Lohri Haus

The distinctive empire-style facade of the Lohri House with its inviting showcase is a real visual asset to the city of Zug. The colour scheme in grey and white was developed in collaboration with the department of preservation of historical buildings, the construction management, and the painter. The consoles supporting the window structures and ledges have been embellished with gold. On the old original plan of the façade, five scenes from Greek mythology were visible, each one with gold as part of its narrative: Hephaestus‘ workshop, Jason and Medea steal the Golden Fleece in Colchis, Heracles steals the golden apples of the Hesperides, Danaë and the golden rain and the Judgement of Paris.

Book a guided tour

It is important for us to take our time to advise you in detail and we like to take our time for you. Please schedule an appointment with us to ensure that we can offer you a great experience during busy hours and on Saturdays.

Thank you very much!

We have received your request and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Your team from Lohri
Oops! Something went wrong when submitting the form, please try again or call us.