Museum Grobming

The museum, located in the heart of the town of Gröbming, offers a rich and diverse collection of exhibits that showcase the development of farm life, culture, and economy in the region, as well as the intriguing presence of mysterious rock carvings that date back to the Bronze Age.

The museum is not only a place of learning, but also a place of fun and entertainment. Exhibitions are frequently organized to showcase current topics, and the local history museum does an excellent job of presenting them in an engaging manner. Moose Alex, the museum’s mascot, eagerly awaits the arrival of both children and adults, and invites them to explore the museum’s wonders.

One of the highlights of the museum is the special exhibition titled “The Secret of Hieroglyphs: From the Beginning of Writing”, which will be held once again in 2023, due to the record-breaking number of visitors in 2022. The exhibition, curated by Dr. Wilfried Seipel, former director of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, and designed by Gernot Langs, a renowned artist and graphic designer, explores the origins and evolution of writing systems, from ancient Egypt to modern times. The exhibition features a variety of artifacts, such as papyri, tablets, scrolls, books, and manuscripts, as well as interactive displays and workshops. The Stainach High School will participate in the project, and provide guided tours and educational activities for the visitors.

Another must-see exhibition is the “Time Traces” exhibition, which offers a captivating journey through the history of Gröbming, spanning a remarkable 2000 years. The exhibition commences with the discovery of the RÖMERSTEIN, a Roman milestone that was found in Gröbming in 1879, and marks the oldest evidence of human settlement in the area. The exhibition then follows the historical development of the town, from the Middle Ages to the present day, highlighting the key events, personalities, and achievements that shaped its identity. The exhibition also features a section dedicated to the local folklore and traditions, such as the Schladminger Bergmännchen, the mythical miners who are said to guard the treasures of the mountains.

The exhibition featuring “ELCH Alex”, located on Gröbming municipal property, is also highly recommended for children. The exhibition, which is part of the European project “Moose in the City”, aims to raise awareness and appreciation for the moose, an endangered species that once roamed the forests of Europe. The exhibition consists of a life-size sculpture of a moose, made of recycled materials, and a series of panels that provide information and fun facts about the animal. Children can also interact with the sculpture, and take photos with it.

Moreover, the museum also boasts a collection of several notable cave paintings, such as those found in Lascaux, Chauvet, and Altamira. These paintings, which are among the oldest and most impressive examples of human art, depict animals, humans, and symbols, and reveal the worldview and spirituality of the prehistoric people. Additionally, the museum displays significant works of art and discoveries from the period between 10,000 and 40,000 BC, such as the Venus of Willendorf, a small figurine of a female that is considered one of the earliest representations of fertility and beauty, Fanny of the Galgenberg, a similar figurine that was discovered near Gröbming in 1988, and the lion man from the Schwäbisch Alb, a hybrid creature that is believed to be one of the first expressions of religious imagination.