Schlossmuseum Linz

Schlossmuseum Linz is the largest universal museum in Austria, located in the historical castle of Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. It showcases the natural, cultural, and artistic history of the region from prehistoric times to the 21st century. It also features a modern extension that contrasts with the old architecture of the castle.

Schlossmuseum Linz is not just a museum, but a destination that offers a rich and diverse experience for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are fascinated by ancient fossils, medieval weapons, baroque paintings, or contemporary art, you will find something to satisfy your curiosity and spark your imagination at Schlossmuseum Linz.

The Castle of Linz: A Historical Landmark

The castle of Linz, or Linzer Schloss, is the oldest and most prominent building in the city. It dates back to the 9th century, when it was first mentioned as a fortress on the hill overlooking the Danube river. Over the centuries, it served as a residence for various rulers, such as the Babenberg dukes, the Habsburg emperors, and the Napoleonic generals. It also witnessed many historical events, such as the Peasants’ War, the Thirty Years’ War, and the French occupation.

The castle underwent several transformations and expansions, reflecting the changing styles and tastes of its owners. It features elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, as well as some modern additions. The most notable of these is the glass and steel structure that was built in 2009 to house the new exhibition halls of the museum. The contrast between the old and the new creates a striking visual effect and symbolizes the dialogue between tradition and innovation that characterizes Schlossmuseum Linz.

The Museum: A Universal Collection

Schlossmuseum Linz is the largest universal museum in Austria, meaning that it covers a wide range of topics and disciplines, from natural history to art history, from archaeology to technology, from ethnography to folklore. It has a collection of over 1.5 million objects, of which about 10,000 are on display in the permanent exhibition. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on specific themes or periods, such as the Roman era, the Renaissance, or the 20th century.

The museum is divided into four main sections: Nature, Culture, Art, and Technology. Each section occupies a different floor of the museum and offers a different perspective on the history and identity of Upper Austria. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect to see in each section:

Nature

The nature section is located on the ground floor of the museum and explores the origins and diversity of life in Upper Austria. It features fossils, minerals, plants, and animals that illustrate the geological and biological evolution of the region. You can see specimens of dinosaurs, mammoths, bears, wolves, and other extinct or endangered species, as well as examples of the current flora and fauna of the Alps and the Danube. You can also learn about the environmental challenges and opportunities that face Upper Austria today and in the future.

Culture

The culture section is located on the first floor of the museum and traces the human history of Upper Austria from the Stone Age to the present day. It displays artifacts, documents, and models that reveal the cultural and social development of the region. You can see tools, weapons, pottery, jewelry, and coins that belonged to the prehistoric, Celtic, Roman, and medieval inhabitants of Upper Austria. You can also see costumes, furniture, musical instruments, and toys that reflect the everyday life and customs of the rural and urban population in the modern era. You can also learn about the political and religious events that shaped the history and identity of Upper Austria, such as the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the World Wars.

Art

The art section is located on the second floor of the museum and showcases the artistic heritage and creativity of Upper Austria from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. It exhibits paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs that represent the various styles and movements of art history, such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Romanticism, Impressionism, Expressionism, and Modernism. You can see works by famous artists, such as Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach, Peter Paul Rubens, Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, and Oskar Kokoschka, as well as by local artists, such as Martin Johann Schmidt, Anton Romako, Alfred Kubin, and Valie Export. You can also learn about the artistic institutions and associations that supported and promoted the art scene in Upper Austria, such as the Linz Art Academy, the Secession, and the Forum Metall.

Technology

The technology section is located on the third floor of the museum and demonstrates the scientific and technological achievements and innovations of Upper Austria from the Industrial Revolution to the Information Age. It displays machines, devices, and models that illustrate the development and application of technology in various fields, such as agriculture, mining, metallurgy, textile, energy, transport, communication, and medicine. You can see examples of steam engines, locomotives, bicycles, cars, planes, radios, telephones, computers, and robots, as well as inventions and patents that originated from Upper Austria, such as the Linz-Donawitz process, the Voith-Schneider propeller, and the MP3 format. You can also learn about the scientific and technological personalities and institutions that contributed to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in Upper Austria, such as Johannes Kepler, Anton Bruckner, Adolf Hitler, Ars Electronica, and JKU Linz.

The Experience: A Multifaceted Adventure

Schlossmuseum Linz is not only a place to see, but also a place to do, to learn, and to enjoy. The museum offers a variety of activities and services that enhance the visitor experience and cater to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the highlights that you can expect to find at Schlossmuseum Linz:

Guided tours: The museum offers guided tours for groups and individuals, in different languages and for different topics. You can book a tour in advance or join a public tour that takes place regularly. The tours are led by expert guides who will provide you with interesting and insightful information and stories about the museum and its exhibits.
Audio guides: The museum offers audio guides for rent, in different languages and for different topics. You can use the audio guides to explore the museum at your own pace and listen to the explanations and descriptions of the exhibits that interest you.
Interactive stations: The museum offers interactive stations throughout the exhibition, where you can touch, play, experiment, and discover more about the exhibits. You can use the interactive stations to test your knowledge, skills, and creativity, and to have fun while learning.
Workshops: The museum offers workshops for children, families, schools, and adults, on different topics and for different occasions. You can book a workshop in advance or join a public workshop that takes place regularly. The workshops are led by experienced educators who will guide you through hands-on activities and projects that relate to the museum and its exhibits.
Events: The museum offers events for different audiences and interests, such as lectures, concerts, performances, readings, film screenings, and festivals. You can check the museum’s website or newsletter for the current and upcoming events and book your tickets online or at the museum’s ticket office.
Café: The museum offers a café on the ground floor, where you can relax and enjoy a snack or a drink. The café has a terrace that overlooks the castle courtyard and the city. The café also hosts occasional events, such as jazz nights, poetry slams, and book presentations.
Shop: The museum offers a shop on the ground floor, where you can buy souvenirs, gifts, books, and art products related to the museum and its exhibits. The shop also sells tickets and vouchers for the museum and its events.

Linz, Austria