Cowboy Museum Fatsy

The Cowboy Museum Fatsy is a museum in Linz, Austria, that displays the history and culture of the American West. It was founded by Fatsy, a former rodeo star and country singer, who collected over 5000 original artifacts from the era of cowboys, Indians, and pioneers. The museum is located in the outskirts of Linz, where the city meets the prairie, and offers guided tours, workshops, and exhibitions on various topics related to the Wild West. The museum is open from May to August, every Saturday and Sunday, from 13:00 to 18:00. For groups and schools, the museum can also be visited outside these hours by appointment. The museum is a member of the Verbund Oberösterreichischer Museen, a network of museums in Upper Austria.

History of the Museum

The Cowboy Museum Fatsy was established in 1993 by Fatsy, whose real name was Franz Schörgenhuber. Fatsy was born in 1947 in Linz, and grew up with a fascination for the American West. He learned to play the guitar and sing country songs, and became a popular performer in Austria and Germany. He also developed a passion for rodeo, and competed in several events in Europe and the United States. He won several titles, such as the European Champion in Bull Riding in 1976 and 1978, and the World Champion in Steer Wrestling in 1980. He was nicknamed “The Last Cowboy of Austria” by the media.

Fatsy started collecting items related to the American West in the 1970s, and soon amassed a large and diverse collection of artifacts, such as hats, boots, guns, saddles, spurs, wagons, clothing, and more. He also acquired a ranch in Linz, where he kept horses, cattle, and other animals. He decided to share his collection and his love for the Wild West with the public, and opened the Cowboy Museum Fatsy in 1993. He also organized events and shows at the museum, such as concerts, rodeos, and festivals. He was known for his generosity and hospitality, and welcomed visitors from all over the world. He died in 2022, at the age of 75, after a long illness. His family and friends continue to run the museum and honor his legacy.

Exhibits and Activities

The Cowboy Museum Fatsy covers an area of about 3000 square meters, and displays over 5000 original artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the American West. Some of the highlights of the museum are:

The Rancher Baron Room: This room recreates the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy cattle owners, who built large mansions and owned vast lands. The room features furniture, paintings, silverware, and other items that belonged to famous ranchers, such as Charles Goodnight, John Chisum, and Richard King.
The Sheriff Office: This room depicts the law and order in the Wild West, where sheriffs, marshals, and deputies enforced the rules and fought against outlaws. The room displays badges, handcuffs, wanted posters, and weapons that were used by lawmen, such as Wyatt Earp, Pat Garrett, and Wild Bill Hickok.
The Chuck Wagon: This is a replica of a wagon that was used to transport and cook food for the cowboys during the cattle drives. The wagon is equipped with a stove, pots, pans, utensils, and provisions, such as beans, coffee, and bacon. The wagon also has a canvas cover, a water barrel, and a toolbox.
The Drugstore: This is a replica of a typical drugstore that was found in the towns and cities of the West. The drugstore sold medicines, cosmetics, toiletries, and other goods, such as candy, tobacco, and newspapers. The drugstore also had a soda fountain, where customers could enjoy drinks and ice cream.
The Kutschen: This is a collection of carriages and coaches that were used for transportation and communication in the West. The collection includes a stagecoach, a mail coach, a buggy, a surrey, and a hearse. The collection also shows the different types of harnesses, wheels, and brakes that were used for the vehicles.
The Cowboy Gallery: This is a gallery of portraits and photographs of famous and influential cowboys, who shaped the culture and history of the West. The gallery features cowboys from different backgrounds, such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and women. The gallery also showcases the skills and achievements of the cowboys, such as roping, riding, branding, and herding.

The museum also offers various activities and workshops for visitors, such as:

Horseshoe Throwing: This is a game where visitors can try to throw horseshoes around a metal stake. The game tests the accuracy and strength of the thrower, and is a traditional pastime of the cowboys.
Boots into the Barrel Game: This is a game where visitors can try to toss boots into a barrel. The game challenges the agility and coordination of the player, and is a fun way to recycle old boots.
Pferdelasso: This is a workshop where visitors can learn how to use a lasso, a rope with a loop, to catch animals or objects. The workshop teaches the basic techniques and tricks of the lasso, and is a useful skill for the cowboys.
Sattelausstellung: This is an exhibition of saddles that were used by the cowboys and the Indians. The exhibition shows the different styles, designs, and decorations of the saddles, and explains their functions and meanings. The exhibition also allows visitors to try on some of the saddles and feel their comfort and fit.
Perlstickerei: This is a workshop where visitors can learn how to make beadwork, a craft that was practiced by the Native Americans. The workshop teaches the basic methods and patterns of beadwork, and provides the materials and tools to create bracelets, necklaces, and other items.