Hartberg Museum

Hartberg Museum is a museum in Hartberg, Austria, that showcases the history and culture of the region. The museum is located in a historic manor house called Steinpeißhaus, which dates back to the 15th century. The museum has a permanent exhibition that covers various aspects of Hartberg’s past, such as the school system, the military conflicts, the social and legal developments, and the prehistoric settlements. The museum also hosts special exhibitions in a modern annex that complements the old building. The museum is run by the Hartberg Historical Society on a voluntary basis.

The Steinpeißhaus: A House with a History

The Hartberg Museum is housed in the Steinpeißhaus, a building that has witnessed and survived many historical events and changes. The house was first mentioned in a document in August 1406 and was named in 1412 by its then-owner Seifried Steinpeiss. The name Stainpeishaus, however, does not appear in literature until 1530.

The house was originally built as a fortified residence for the nobility, but over the centuries it served various purposes and owners. It was used as a court, a prison, a school, a hospital, a brewery, and a guesthouse. It was also the scene of several fires, wars, and sieges. In 1988, the house was acquired by the Hartberg Historical Society, which renovated it and turned it into a museum.

The Museum: A Treasure Trove of Historical Artifacts and Exhibits

The Hartberg Museum’s permanent exhibit covers a wide range of topics and periods, from the prehistoric times to the present day. The museum tour starts in an antique classroom, where visitors can see how education was conducted in the mid-20th century. The classroom is furnished with authentic interior and teaching equipment, such as desks, chairs, blackboards, books, and maps.

From the classroom, the museum tour goes back in time and explores the history of Hartberg’s city and territory. Visitors can learn about the history of warfare and defense, with an emphasis on the fight against the Turks and Kuruzzi, who invaded and plundered the region in the 16th and 17th centuries. The museum displays weapons, armor, flags, and documents related to these conflicts.

The museum also showcases the social and legal history of Hartberg, from the Middle Ages and early modern times. Visitors can see how the city was governed, how justice was administered, and how people lived and worked. The museum exhibits various items, such as seals, coins, books, paintings, and costumes.

The museum tour ends with a glimpse into the ancient history of Hartberg, when the area was inhabited by the Romans and the Celts. Visitors can see artifacts and information about the Roman times and the Ringkogel, a hill that was settled before the turn of the century. The museum also displays regional relics from the Metal Age and the New Stone Age, such as pottery, tools, and jewelry.

Hartberg, Austria