Golden Roof Museum

The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) is a landmark structure located in the Old Town section of Innsbruck, Austria. It is considered the city’s most famous symbol. It was built by Emperor Maximilian I around 1500 to mark his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza. The roof was decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles that shine in the sun. The Emperor and his wife used the balcony to watch festivals and events in the square below. The Golden Roof also has a museum that displays the original reliefs and frescoes from the loggia.

The Emperor and the Roof

The Golden Roof was built by Emperor Maximilian I, one of the most significant figures in Tyrolean history. He was a visionary ruler who expanded his empire through marriages, wars, and diplomacy. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and a lover of hunting and jousting. He had a complex personality, full of contradictions and ambitions. He guided his family to worldwide dominance at a period of turmoil and new discoveries.

The Golden Roof was his way of showing off his power and prestige to the world. He commissioned it in 1494, as part of his wedding celebrations with Bianca Maria Sforza, his second wife. He used it as a royal box, from where he could watch the tournaments and festivities in the square below. He also decorated it with elaborate paintings and sculptures, depicting his ancestors, his wives, and his achievements.

The Museum and the Exhibits

The Golden Roof Museum, located in the same building as the balcony, opened in 2003, to mark the 500th anniversary of Maximilian’s death. It offers a fascinating insight into the life and times of the emperor, as well as the history and culture of Innsbruck and Tyrol. Exhibits dating back centuries, mixed with current multimedia technology, provide an educational and varied look into the past.

The museum has three floors, each with a different theme and focus. The first floor showcases the original paintings and sculptures from the Golden Roof, as well as models and replicas of the balcony and the building. The second floor explores the biography and legacy of Maximilian, through interactive displays, audio-visuals, and artifacts. The third floor presents the modern aspects of Innsbruck and Tyrol, such as the Olympic Games, the tourism industry, and the cultural diversity.

The Fun and the Family

The Golden Roof Museum is not only a place for history buffs, but also for families and children. There are fascinating children’s stations and a puzzle rally in the museum for younger visitors, so there is no possibility of boredom. Kids can learn about the emperor and his hobbies, play games and quizzes, and even dress up as knights and princesses. The museum also organizes special events and workshops throughout the year, such as Easter egg painting, Christmas crafts, and medieval music.

The Golden Roof Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Mondays. The admission fee is 7.50 euros for adults, 4.50 euros for students and seniors, and free for children under 6. The museum is located at Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck. You can contact the museum by phone at +43 512 / 53 60 – 1441 or by email at goldenes.dachl@innsbruck.gv.at. For more information, visit the museum’s website at www.goldenes-dachl.at.

Innsbruck, Austria