Sow Trumps King
Franconia and the World of Playing Cards

People have always played games. Card games, in particular, dominated the gaming tables from the beginning of the 19th century onward. Schafkopf, in particular, enjoys immense popularity in Franconia.

The first printed rules for Schafkopf date back to 1884 in Würzburg. The card designs in the exhibition reveal a great deal about the origins and spread of playing cards in Old Bavaria and Franconia.

Whether you’re a Schafkopf pro or a newcomer, the exhibition “Sau sticht König” invites you to explore the history of card designs through the objects on display – and also to experience it firsthand at the gaming table.

It also explains how the game works—including the unique lingo used by players at the table. An exhibition to explore and play along with!

The exhibition also offers a brief glimpse into the world of board games – naturally with a special focus on Franconia. Surprises guaranteed!

Events & Guided Tours

GUIDED TOURS (in German)

Jan. 17, Feb. 21, Apr. 4
Sunday Walk: “Sow Trumps King”
Public guided tour, Sundays at 2:30 p.m. 

Guided tour with curator Fabian Stöckl
Thursday, January 21, 4:00 p.m.

Guided tour with curator Fabian Stöckl
Thursday, February 18, 4:00 p.m.

Guided tour with curator Fabian Stöckl
Thursday, March 18, 4:00 p.m.

To register, call 0931/20594-39, -0 or email info@museum-franken.de

DURING SCHOOL BREAKS

Jan. 7, Apr. 1
Holiday Family Tour (in German)
for families and children ages 7 and up, at 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 11, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Holiday Program for the Special Exhibition
for children ages 7 and up
You have to join in to win! Together,
the “Sau sticht König” exhibition and learn the
traditional game Schafkopfen. Plus,
we’ll design our own deck of cards!

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENT DAYS

Sunday, December 27, 2026, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Family Afternoon
1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.: Guided tour (in German)
Throughout the event: Hands-on activities for the whole family!
Participation fee for children and adults: 2 €,
plus a €1 admission fee for adults

Sunday, February 14, 2027, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Family Afternoon: “Heart Stings!”
1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.: Overview tour (in German)
Throughout the event: Hands-on activities for the whole family!
Participation fee for children and adults: 2 €,
plus a €1 admission fee for adults

Sunday, March 21, 2027, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Family Afternoon
1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.: Overview tour (in German)
Throughout the event: Hands-on activities for the whole family!
Participation fee for children and adults: 2 €,
plus a €1 admission fee for adults

Exhibition Information

The exhibition is located in the wine press hall of the Museum of Franconia and is accessible at ground level (no steps). The exhibition texts are easy to understand and written in German and English.
For more information on accessibility, please visit the following link: Accessibility at the Museum of Franconia.