Cham in historical photographs

In the SPUR Museum, the former poorhouse, two rooms on the ground floor are available for changing exhibitions on local history. The new presentation focuses on historical photos from the estate of the Cham optician Xaver Haertle (1872-1942), which were taken between 1900 and 1920.
Xaver Haertle originally came from a family of tinsmiths, but ran an optician's shop in Alrunastrasse in Cham. In addition to optical items such as spectacles and binoculars, he also sold cameras and the necessary photographic accessories. He also seems to have enjoyed taking photographs himself. Photographs from his estate can be seen in the current exhibition at the SPUR Museum.
The photographs depict events of their time, such as the introduction of the then parish priest Seidl or the construction of the flood bridge at what is now the Zehder & Franz car dealership. The photo treasures also allow interesting comparisons to be made between today and the past. Mr Xaver Haertle preserved the image of an idyllic Calvary church with cornfields in the foreground and a much lower tree cover.
The SPUR Museum (Schützenstraße 7) is located in the former poorhouse of the town of Cham directly on the river Regen. The exhibition is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 2 to 5 pm and by appointment. The museum is closed on 1 November, 24/25 December and 31 December. Admission is free. The exhibition is on display until 6 January 2026.

Last edited on 06.05.2026