To spot the Cabinet for Sentimental Trivial Literature, look for a simple cream-colored wall with a silver sign next to a stone-framed window displaying vintage posters and book covers-just keep your eyes peeled for a subtle literary treasure trove!
You’ve arrived at one of Solothurn’s quirkiest (and most charming) stops-the Cabinet for Sentimental Trivial Literature! Take a deep breath and imagine yourself stepping back in time, as if a faint whisper of rustling old paper drifts from behind that window. Founded in 1996 by the ever-curious journalist Lotte Ravicini-Tschumi, this house safeguards the kind of stories that used to set hearts fluttering, especially those of 19th-century women dreaming of adventure, love, and a dash of drama.
Inside-though we’re just outside for now-there are nearly 3,600 books, most in German, lining the cozy rooms from floor to ceiling. Picture sentimental tales of romance, young girls scribbling secret wishes, and heroes galloping through distant lands. But this place isn’t just about books; it’s an experience! There’s a Biedermeier parlor that makes you imagine a stern aunt instructing you on proper tea manners, a fashion and costume room worthy of a quick twirl, and an event chamber where you can almost hear the gentle clink of teacups and the murmur of laughter.
Every three years, with a burst of excitement, they hand out the Ravicini Prize-yes, there’s a real award for studying these so-called “trivial” stories. The big question they’re always asking here? What counts as true literature, and what’s just delightful kitsch? It’s a debate that could tickle your brain like a feather dusting off a forgotten love letter. So next time you pass by, remember: hidden behind this modest window are shelves full of emotions, mysteries, and the sort of tales that once made people swoon or sigh-sometimes at the same time!
