Glockenmuseum (Grassmayr Bells Museum)

Glockenmuseum (Grassmayr Bells Museum) is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of bells, located in Innsbruck, Austria. It is part of the Grassmayr Bell Foundry, which has been producing and restoring bells for over 400 years. The museum showcases various types of bells from different countries and periods, as well as the secrets of the bell-making craft. The museum also features a sound room, where visitors can experience the acoustic effects of bells and their complex tones.

The Grassmayr Legacy

The Grassmayr family has been making bells since 1599, when Mortimer Grassmayr cast the first Grassmayr bell. Since then, 14 generations of Grassmayrs have continued the craft, developing and improving the technique of bell casting. The trade blends science and love and needs a skilled hand. It’s a family affair for the Grassmayrs. The key to their bell construction, known as ribbing, is closely guarded and passed down from father to son.

Today, Grassmayr bells may be heard in about 100 countries, flooding towns and villages with their rich and distinctive sound. Some of their famous works include the bell of the United Nations in New York, the bell of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, and the bell of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. The Grassmayrs have also received numerous awards and honors for their excellence and innovation in bell making.

The Glockenmuseum: A Unique Experience

If you want to learn more about the history and art of bell making, you should visit the Glockenmuseum (Grassmayr Bells Museum) in Innsbruck. The museum is located next to the Grassmayr bell foundry, where you can witness the fascinating process of casting a bell up close. Traditional methods are still in use and important in the modern world. These technologies, when combined with the most recent scientific understanding, produce bells that can be used for centuries.

The museum also showcases the diversity and beauty of bells from different cultures and eras. You’ll be surprised at how varied the sound of bells can be. You can listen to the sounds of bells from Asia, Africa, and Europe, and even try ringing some of them yourself. You can also explore the symbolism and function of bells in various aspects of life, such as religion, politics, and music.

The Sound of Innsbruck

Every day, bells ring in the Innsbruck region, adding to the charm and atmosphere of the city and its surroundings. You can hear the bells of St. James’ Cathedral in Innsbruck, the largest Gothic church in Tyrol. You can also hear the bells of Telfs/Mösern, a place of exceptional scenic beauty where a massive peace bell can be heard from miles away. The peace bell was donated by the Grassmayrs in 1997 and rings every day at 5 p.m. to commemorate the victims of war and violence.

Bells can also be heard in churches large and small around Innsbruck and the surrounding communities. On the hour, the bells ring. Lunchtime, evenings, and Friday afternoons are especially wonderful times to hear them. The sound of bells is a part of the identity and heritage of Innsbruck and the Tyrol region.

Visit the Glockenmuseum

If you are interested in visiting the Glockenmuseum, here are some practical information:

Address: Leopoldstrasse 53, 6020 Innsbruck
Phone: +43 512 / 59 41 637
Email: museum@grassmayr.at
Website: https://www.grassmayr.at
Admission: Adults 8 euros, children 4 euros, groups and students 6 euros, family ticket 16 euros

The Glockenmuseum is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves bells, music, and history. It is a unique opportunity to discover the secrets and wonders of bell making and to enjoy the sound of bells in Innsbruck and beyond.

Innsbruck, Austria