Stifterhaus

Stifterhaus in Linz is a cultural center that houses the Oberösterreichisches Literaturmuseum, the Adalbert-Stifter-Institut, and the Oberösterreichisches Literaturhaus. It was built in 1844 and was the residence of the famous writer and painter Adalbert Stifter from 1848 to 1868. The museum showcases the regional literary history from the Middle Ages to the present, with a focus on Stifter’s life and works. The institute is a research facility for literature and linguistics, and the literature house organizes literary readings and events. Stifterhaus is a place where literature and language are celebrated and explored in various ways.

The History of the Stifterhaus

The Stifterhaus was built in 1844 by Linz master builder Johann B. Metz and was owned from 1844 to 1857 by café owner Joseph Hartl. It was then purchased by the Donau-Dampfschifffahrtsgesellschaft, a company that operated steamboats on the Danube river. The most famous resident of the house was Adalbert Stifter, a writer and painter who lived there from 1848 to 1868. Stifter was one of the most influential figures of the Biedermeier period, a cultural movement that emphasized domesticity, sentimentality, and conservatism. He wrote novels, novellas, and poems that depicted the landscapes and people of his native Bohemia and Upper Austria. He also worked as a school inspector and a curator of art collections.

The house was purchased by the state of Upper Austria in 1973 and underwent extensive renovations between 1988 and 1992. It was then inaugurated as the “StifterHaus”, a center for literature and language in Upper Austria, in 1993. Since then, the Stifterhaus has been a focal point for literary activities and research in the region.

The Oberösterreichisches Literaturmuseum

The Oberösterreichisches Literaturmuseum, or the Upper Austria Literature Museum, is located on the second floor of the Stifterhaus. It showcases the regional literary history from the Middle Ages to the present, with a focus on Stifter’s life and works. The museum features original manuscripts, letters, portraits, paintings, and personal belongings of Stifter and other writers from Upper Austria. It also displays multimedia exhibits that illustrate the historical and social contexts of the literary works. The museum aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the literary heritage of Upper Austria and its connections to the wider world.

The Adalbert-Stifter-Institut

The Adalbert-Stifter-Institut, or the Adalbert Stifter Institute, is a research facility for literature and linguistics, with a focus on Stifter and Upper Austria literature. It was founded in 1950 and has been housed in the Stifterhaus since 1957. The institute conducts scholarly projects, publishes academic journals and books, and organizes conferences and lectures. It also maintains a library and an archive that contain valuable resources for literary and linguistic studies. The institute is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and appreciation of Stifter and Upper Austria literature, as well as fostering interdisciplinary and international collaborations.

The Oberösterreichisches Literaturhaus

The Oberösterreichisches Literaturhaus, or the Upper Austria Literature House, is a venue for literary readings and events. It is located on the ground floor of the Stifterhaus and has a capacity of 120 seats. The literature house hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as book presentations, poetry slams, workshops, discussions, and festivals. It also supports emerging and established writers from Upper Austria and beyond, and promotes the diversity and vitality of contemporary literature. The literature house is a place where writers and readers can meet, exchange ideas, and enjoy the art of words.

The Stifter Monument

Outside the Stifterhaus, on the Linz Promenade, stands a bronze monument honoring Adalbert Stifter. It was created by sculptor Josef Thorak and unveiled in 1936. The monument depicts Stifter sitting on a rock, holding a book and a pen, and looking towards the Danube river. The inscription on the pedestal reads: “Adalbert Stifter, the poet of home and nature”. The monument is a tribute to Stifter’s artistic vision and his love for his homeland.

Linz, Austria