AUDIOVERSUM – ScienceCenter

The AUDIOVERSUM is a science museum that makes scientific links and medical-technical breakthroughs in hearing implant technology accessible and intelligible. The goal is to spread awareness about the importance of hearing and to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect their sense of hearing. The exhibitions are interactive, allow for self-directed learning, require no prior knowledge, and have a fun component. The museum is suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, and especially for those who are interested in science, technology, medicine, education, and art.

The museum was founded on the initiative of MED-EL, an international manufacturer of hearing implant devices, and in close collaboration with the city of Innsbruck. It mixes medical, technology, education, and art as a scientific center. Multimedia exhibits created in collaboration with the world-renowned Ars Electronica Center Linz enable visitors to participate and refine their senses.

The AUDIOVERSUM is located in the old buildings of the “Kammerlichtspiele”, a former cinema that was turned over to the firm MED-EL and the organisation “Freies Theater Innsbruck” by the mayor of Innsbruck, Christine Oppitz-Plörer, in fall 2012. After three years of planning and construction, and one and a half years of planning, producing exhibits, and executing the display idea, the science museum debuted on January 30, 2013.

Since then, the museum has welcomed over 100,000 visitors and has received several awards and recognitions, such as the Austrian Museum Prize, the Tyrolean Tourism Award, and the European Museum of the Year Award nomination.

The AUDIOVERSUM offers a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions that cover different aspects of hearing and its related fields. Some of the permanent exhibitions are:

• Hearing Adventure: A journey through the anatomy and physiology of the ear, the physics of sound, and the technology of hearing implants. Visitors can learn about the structure and function of the ear, the types and causes of hearing loss, the history and development of hearing implants, and the stories of people who use them.
• Sound Gallery: A collection of sound installations that challenge and stimulate the auditory perception of visitors. Visitors can experience how sound can create illusions, emotions, memories, and associations, and how hearing can influence other senses, such as vision and touch.
• Sound Labyrinth: A maze of soundscapes that invite visitors to explore different acoustic environments and scenarios. Visitors can discover how sound can affect their orientation, mood, and behavior, and how they can use sound to communicate and interact with others.
• Sound Studio: A creative space where visitors can experiment with sound and music. Visitors can create their own soundtracks, remix songs, play instruments, and record their voices.

The focus of special exhibits under the banners Heard Known and Heard Seen is on specialized knowledge transmission and current forms. Some of the past and present special exhibits are:

• Hearing Test: A series of interactive stations that test the hearing abilities of visitors. Visitors can measure their hearing threshold, frequency range, loudness perception, sound localization, and speech comprehension.
• Hearing Future: A glimpse into the future of hearing and hearing technology. Visitors can learn about the latest research and innovations in the field of hearing, such as bionic ears, brain-computer interfaces, and artificial intelligence.
• Hearing Art: A showcase of artistic works that explore the theme of hearing and sound. Visitors can admire and interact with paintings, sculptures, installations, and performances that express the aesthetic, cultural, and social dimensions of hearing and sound.

The AUDIOVERSUM is more than just a science museum. It is a place where you can learn, experience, and enjoy hearing and sound in a new and exciting way. It is a place where you can discover the wonders of hearing and its impact on your life and the world around you. It is a place where you can appreciate and protect your hearing and the hearing of others.

If you are interested in visiting the AUDIOVERSUM, you can find more information on their website: https://www.audioversum.at/en/

The AUDIOVERSUM is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. The admission fee is 9 euros for adults, 7 euros for students and seniors, 4 euros for children and teenagers, and free for children under 6 years old. There are also special discounts and offers for groups, families, and schools.

The AUDIOVERSUM is located at Wilhelm-Greil-Straße 23, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. You can reach the museum by public transport (bus or tram), by car (parking available), or by foot (15 minutes from the city center).