Museum im Zeughaus (Armory Museum)

Museum im Zeughaus (Armory Museum) in Innsbruck is one of the five branches of the Tyrolean State Museums and showcases the cultural and technical development of Tyrol from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum is housed in a former armory that was built by Emperor Maximilian I in the early 16th century and has a fascinating history of its own.

The Armory of Maximilian I

The armory was erected between 1500 and 1505 by Maximilian I, the Holy Roman Emperor and the ruler of Tyrol. He chose a strategic location on the Sill river, just outside the city walls at that time, to store his military supplies and weapons. The armory was a massive complex, consisting of two 80-meter-long and 10-meter-wide two-story wings, as well as two narrow entrance and connecting wings that enclosed a large inner courtyard. The armory could accommodate up to 4,000 soldiers and their equipment, as well as various small arms, such as swords, daggers, crossbows, and firearms.

The armory was also connected to the nearby brass works in Mühlau, which was established in 1503. The brass works produced cannons and other metal goods for the imperial army, using the abundant copper resources from the Tyrolean mines. The armory had around 150 pieces of cannon in 1503, making it one of the largest arsenals in Europe at that time. The armory and the brass works were part of Maximilian’s ambitious plan to modernize his military and expand his empire.

The Armory Barracks and the Regional Museum

The armory continued to serve as a military depot and barracks until the end of the First World War and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1918. After that, the armory was used as a cable store and a warehouse for various purposes. In 1964, the Tyrolean government decided to renovate the armory and turn it into a regional museum. The restoration project was led by architect Robert Schuller, who preserved the original structure of the building while adding new elements to meet the modern standards of monument protection. For example, he used a narrow ribbed concrete ceiling to replace the wooden tram ceiling on the ground floor, and he installed concrete pillars to support the old facade. He also reopened the arches on the walls and fitted them with windows that resembled the original iron bars. The result was a harmonious blend of old and new, creating a spacious and bright exhibition space.

The museum was opened to the public in 1973, and since then, it has been displaying a rich and diverse collection of historical and technical artifacts related to Tyrol. The museum covers various topics, such as the prehistoric and Roman periods, the medieval and modern times, the Tyrolean rebellion of 1809, the First and Second World Wars, the post-war reconstruction, and the contemporary society and culture. The museum also hosts special exhibitions on a regular basis, featuring different aspects of Tyrolean history and art.

The Open-Air Cinema and Music

One of the highlights of the museum is the inner courtyard, which is used as a venue for open-air cinema and music events during the summer. The courtyard offers a unique atmosphere and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. The cinema program features a selection of classic and contemporary films, while the music program showcases a variety of genres, from folk and jazz to rock and pop. The open-air events are a great way to enjoy the warm summer nights and the cultural offerings of the museum.

Innsbruck, Austria