German collector breaks own world record with 11,017 snow globes

A German snow globe collector has shattered his own world record by amassing 11,017 globes, the largest collection of its kind, Guinness World Records confirms. Josef Kardinal, a resident of Nuremberg, began building the trove in 1984 and stores it in the basement of his home. He first earned the Guinness mark in 2002 with 6,100 globes, a tally he has since expanded through years of additions and acquisitions.

The collection spans a wide range of themes and eras, from whimsical novelties to commemorative pieces. Among the standout items are a Harley-Davidson–themed globe that chimes with a motorcycle sound when moved and a globe housing a sinking Titanic replica. The oldest globe in Kardinal's collection dates to 1889 and was made in Paris, featuring the Eiffel Tower inside. The tiniest globe is fingernail-sized and doubles as a wearable pin. During the COVID-19 era, Kardinal added pieces that reflect contemporary life, including one with a roll of toilet paper inside and another showing a snowman wearing a mask. A globe honoring pop star Taylor Swift contains a mini typewriter inspired by her 2024 album, The Tortured Poets Department, and when shaken, pages with lyrics swirl around inside.

"People love snow globes as they encapsulate a perfect world. Obviously one that is not realistic and that is why we gravitate towards them," Kardinal told Guinness World Records. His basement in Nuremberg now hosts the world’s largest known cache of these winter keepsakes, a collection that has grown by more than 4,900 pieces since the 2002 record.

The scope of Kardinal’s collection extends beyond novelty value. Each globe is a small museum piece, reflecting different fashions, histories and moments. The items range from small pins to larger dioramas, and some globes commemorate historic events, tourist landmarks and popular culture. The meticulous organization of thousands of pieces is part of the routine that sustains what Kardinal calls his lifelong passion for the holiday-season marvels. The Guinness tally lists 11,017 globes, placing Kardinal well ahead of any unofficial rivals and underscoring the breadth of his hobby, which he treats as both a personal archive and a celebration of fantasy.

The story of Kardinal’s collection is a reminder of how snow globes have endured as cultural touchstones—listenable, visual, and collectible artifacts that evoke nostalgia and imagination in equal measure. In a social landscape that increasingly celebrates unique, record-setting curiosities, Kardinal’s achievement stands as a landmark within the world of collectibles and holiday memorabilia.

![Kardinal's snow globes in the basement](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/117650115.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1024