FLATZ Museum

Dornbirn’s FLATZ Museum is a contemporary art museum that showcases the works of Wolfgang Flatz, an Austrian action artist. The museum was established in 2009, after Flatz donated his oeuvre to the city of Dornbirn. The museum also features changing exhibitions of photographic art, curated by international guest curators. The museum is located in the former Natural History Museum of Vorarlberg.

Who is Wolfgang Flatz?

Wolfgang Flatz, also known as FLATZ, was born in 1952 in Dornbirn. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and became a prominent figure in the German and international art scene in the 1980s and 1990s. He is best known for his action art, which involves extreme physical and psychological performances, often involving pain, blood, fire, and animals. Some of his notorious actions include setting himself on fire, hanging himself from a crane, and being buried alive. He also created installations, sculptures, paintings, and videos that explore similar themes.

Flatz’s art is influenced by his personal experiences and his critique of the modern society. He has said that his art is a way of expressing his anger and frustration with the world, as well as a way of testing his own limits and boundaries. He has also stated that his art is not meant to shock or offend, but to provoke and stimulate the viewers to think and feel. He has described his art as a “dialogue with the public”.

In 2009, Flatz decided to donate his oeuvre to his hometown of Dornbirn, as a gesture of gratitude and reconciliation. He also wanted to create a museum that would be accessible and affordable to the public, especially the young generation. He collaborated with the former “documenta” director Jan Hoet, who opened the museum in 2009.

What can you see at the FLATZ Museum?

The FLATZ Museum is located in the former Natural History Museum of Vorarlberg, a neoclassical building that dates back to 1902. The contrast between the old and the new, the traditional and the avant-garde, is evident from the moment you enter the museum. You have to climb a work called “Book Stairs”, which consists of hundreds of books piled up to form a staircase. You also have to clear heavy punching bags out of the way, which are part of an installation called “Boxing Ring”. These works are meant to challenge the visitors and prepare them for the museum experience.

The museum has two floors, each with a different focus. The first floor is dedicated to Flatz’s works, which span from 1975 to 1999. The works are divided into four thematic sections: “Body”, “Fire”, “Animal”, and “Death”. The works include photographs, videos, paintings, sculptures, and installations that document Flatz’s actions and explore his artistic vision. Some of the works are disturbing and graphic, such as “Blood Wall”, which consists of a wall covered with bloodstains, or “Dead Dog”, which features a stuffed dog hanging from the ceiling. Other works are more playful and humorous, such as “Piggy Bank”, which is a pig-shaped sculpture made of coins, or “Candy Machine”, which dispenses candy to the visitors.

The second floor is dedicated to changing exhibitions of photographic art, curated by international guest curators. The exhibitions showcase works by renowned and emerging photographers from around the world, who share Flatz’s interest in social and political issues, as well as in the human condition. Some of the past exhibitions include:

Eduard Stranadko “Shining” – photographs of Chernobyl
Elfie Semotan: “Stillleben”, Martin Parr: “Cakes Balls”
Gisèle Freund: “Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera”
“Die Kamera ist grausam” – masterpieces by Model, Arbus, Goldin
FLATZ: “FACES”
Spencer Tunick: “Nudes”

The exhibitions are accompanied by readings, lectures, discussions, and performances that provide further insight and context to the works.

How to visit the FLATZ Museum?

The FLATZ Museum is open from Thursday to Saturday, with varying hours. The admission fee is 5 euros for adults, 3 euros for students and seniors, and free for children under 14. The museum also offers guided tours and workshops for groups and schools, upon request. The museum is located at Marktstraße 33, 6850 Dornbirn, and can be reached by public transport or by car.

Dornbirn, Austria