Bergbaumuseum Klagenfurt (Mining Museum Klagenfurt)

The Mining Museum showcases the rich history of Carinthian mining across a spacious exhibition area spanning approximately 3000 m².The museum, which was opened in 1973, is situated in a 500-meter-long tunnel in Kreuzbergl. This tunnel originally functioned as an air raid shelter during World War II.The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including minerals, precious metals, and even a mint. The museum was closed in 2015 due to financial constraints. The question regarding its reopening has not yet been clarified.

History of the museum

The museum was situated within a tunnel that spanned a length of 500 meters.Starting from the middle of 1942, an air raid shelter was established in a quarry located in Kreuzbergl, which was previously utilized for extracting green slate.The Felsenhalle, also known as the Klagenfurt radio station of the Alpenland broadcasting group, was operational from August 1945 to 1953, following the end of the Second World War.In 1945, there were other parties interested in occupying the remaining rooms in the tunnel system, such as a winery from Burgenland. However, none of them were given the opportunity.In September 1947, the city of Klagenfurt leased the tunnel, except for the premises used by the Alpenland broadcasting group, to a mushroom grower.The duration of this kennel’s operation is unknown.

The construction of the botanical garden near the tunnel commenced in 1958, initiated by the state of Carinthia.This location was intended to be the previous site of the garden at the Rudolfinum, until the beginning of the Second World War.During that time, Franz Kahler and Franz Müller were hired to establish the garden.The individual worked as a garden architect and, towards the end of the 1960s, developed an interest in the abandoned air raid shelter.Furthermore, Franz Müller had a strong passion for mineralogy and meticulously curated a vast assortment of minerals and rocks. The tunnel’s ample space was an indispensable requirement to accommodate his generous collection.This idea led to the concept of establishing a museum within the botanical gardens.

In 1973, Müller successfully persuaded representatives of Carinthian regional politics to support his idea. With the assistance of the state of Carinthia, the city of Klagenfurt, several local mining companies, and the Natural Science Association for Carinthia, an underground museum was established. It officially opened on November 11, 1973.However, due to organizational and financial issues, negotiations regarding its sale to the city of Klagenfurt began as early as 1975.After experiencing a period of slow sales, Müller decided to sell a portion of his collection.On May 23, 1977, the museum finally exchanged the remaining exhibits with the owner in return for an annuity.The Mining Museum in Klagenfurt has been operated by the city as a public museum since then.The founder of the company, Franz Müller, passed away on August 23, 1989.

The city of Klagenfurt closed the mining museum on November 1, 2015 due to economic reasons. The museum incurred annual expenses of €500,000, whereas the annual revenue generated was only €18,000.The city senate of Klagenfurt made the decision in March 2020 to permanently loan the museum exhibits to the Carinthian State Museum.Starting in 2023, the new Mining Museum in Bad Bleiberg will showcase a selection of exhibits.The Bad Bleiburg Museum will store additional parts in a mining history archive in the future.

Exhibition

The exhibition space of the Klagenfurt Mining Museum spanned approximately 3000 m².The spacious entrance hall, also known as the “Felsenhalle,” served as a venue for hosting regularly rotating special exhibitions.

The museum was divided into three subject areas, from a didactic point of view.From a business perspective, there is no division.

Mining history of Carinthia

The emphasis in Carinthia’s mining history field was not on technology, such as showcasing machines and devices, but rather on the social aspect.A closer examination of the miners’ lives and their social environment was conducted using various resources, including photographs, documents, and objects like a replica miners’ room.The culture of Carinthia has had a strong connection to mining throughout its history, dating back to ancient times.The influence of this can still be seen in Carinthia’s culture, even during the period known as the montanistic heyday in recent history.Iron mica is still being mined today, such as in the village of Waldenstein, located at the foot of the Packalpe. Additionally, magnesite was recently mined at the Millstätter Alpe.Nevertheless, it remains true that mining has a minimal impact on the country’s economy.

Mineralogy

The museum provided a comprehensive display of mineralogy related to Carinthian mining.The mine in Bleiberg/Kreuth, which was closed in 1993, yielded a multitude of exhibits originating from the lead-zinc mineralization of the Drau train.The Bleiberg minerals exhibit showcased a remarkable array of shapes and colors, with the wulfenite crystals being particularly notable for their diverse and vibrant appearances.The mineral was initially discovered in 1785 in Bleiberg by Franz Xaver von Wulfen.As a result, the mineral has been named in his honor.Another specialty that he discovered and showcased in the Mining Museum was the renowned Bleiberg shell marble.

Additional mineralogical exhibits were sourced from iron ore mines located in Hüttenberg, Waitschach, and various other locations.The museum displays approximately 300 mineral species that were sourced from the Saualpe and Koralpe regions.Furthermore, visitors have the opportunity to learn about various aspects of mining in the Waldenstein region, such as the mineralogy of iron mica. Additionally, they can explore information about magnesite mining and the different types of garnets found on the Millstätter Alpe and the Laufenberg. Moreover, visitors can discover intriguing details about the gold discoveries that have occurred in the Hohe Tauern region.

Paleontology

The museum’s paleontological department showcased fossils from various geological eras found across the globe.The exhibits spanned approximately 500 million years of Earth’s history.Furthermore, the visitor was given a replica of the mummified glacier body discovered at Tisenjoch in the Ötztal Alps, famously known as “Ötzi”.

Klagenfurt, Austria