Graz Museum Schlossberg

The GrazMuseum Schlossberg provides a gateway to the rich history of the city hill of Graz. The museum is open all year round and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. It serves as the primary destination for all visitors to the Schlossberg. The GrazMuseum Schlossberg offers visitors valuable information and guidance on the history and topography of the area. The newly established museum offers a family-friendly experience, showcasing the history of the Schlossberg and its importance to Graz in a modern and engaging manner. The GrazMuseum in Sackstraße and the GrazMuseum Schlossberg together create a connection between the hill and the city, forming a bracket.

The GrazMuseum branch located on top of the Schlossberg is a creation of Otto Hochreiter and is curated by Martina Zerovnik and Ingrid Holzschuh. It caters to the needs of visitors who enjoy leisurely walks and provides a peaceful environment in the midst of nature. The GrazMuseum Schlossberg is fully accessible and provides a range of attractive additional services specifically designed for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Arcitecture and design

The architecture studio WG3’s design for the new GrazMuseum Schlossberg impresses with its inviting attitude and creates a captivating atmosphere for visitors. The foyer area, which is partially covered by a roof and partially shaded by trees, provides an entrance to the historic courtyard of the Stable or Cannon Bastion. This courtyard is accessible to the public as they stroll by. The modern architectural design of the ring-shaped paving and planting helps to bridge the gap between the historical barrier of the former “barracks yard”.

The architectural concept of WG3 draws inspiration from the historical fortification and defense community that existed from the 16th to 19th centuries. However, it also introduces a modern and open framework that caters to the needs of today’s recreation seekers visiting the Schloßberg. Furthermore, the contemporary exhibition and graphic design of BUERO41A highlights the fact that the past centuries of the Schlossberg’s history are exclusively presented from a contemporary European perspective.

Garden of Wonders

The GrazMuseum Schlossberg welcomes visitors to the “Garden of Wonders,” a serene space filled with majestic hornbeams. Children have the opportunity to embark on an exciting journey of discovery, where they can explore the captivating stories of mythical creatures that reside on the Schlossberg. The mythical figures of the heraldic panther, stone dog, elephant, and lion conceal the desires, fears, and fantasies of their respective eras. They represent the male desire for power, the aspiration for Hungarian supremacy, the fear of the Ottoman threat, and the proud defense of the Schlossberg.

View of Graz

The Cannon Hall of the Stable, also known as the Cannon Bastion, provides visitors with a stunning and expansive panoramic view of Graz and its surrounding areas. Furthermore, the GrazMuseum Schlossberg offers a unique way to explore the city’s history. Through a large interactive screen, visitors can journey back in time, experiencing the historical cityscape of Graz. The screen allows users to navigate through key years, providing a captivating and immersive experience. The “View of Graz” allows us to observe the changes in the cityscape over the centuries in a fast-forward mode.

Historical Trail

The GrazMuseum Schlossberg showcases important buildings and monuments from the Schlossberg that you might have overlooked while passing by. Visitors on the “Historical Trail” of the former Cannon House will encounter around twenty-four familiar experiences. The Schlossberg monuments are presented in their historical context at the exhibition, offering fascinating displays. The trail takes you on a journey from the historical seat of power and stronghold of the past, all the way to Napoleon’s siege of Graz. Finally, it leads you to the modern landscape garden, where you can enjoy nature and leisure activities.

Schlossberg Story

The GrazMuseum Schlossberg has made the casemate under the Stable or Cannon Bastion accessible to people with disabilities for the first time. This has been made possible by the installation of a lift in the area, which is a gigantic space protected by walls several meters thick. Inside the bulwark, you will find the audio-visual Schlossberg Story showcasing a remarkable new transparent Schlossberg model. This exhibit effectively portrays the rich history of the hill. The multimedia show offers glimpses into the interior of the mountain, showcasing the Turkish Well and the extensive tunnel system that spans over six kilometers.