Wattens Museum

The Museum Wattens is the town’s main museum, and one of the oldest museums in Tyrol. It is a local history museum that displays the history, culture, and economy of Wattens and the surrounding area. The museum was established in 1903, by the Wattens Historical Society, and has been housed in the former town hall since 1974.

The museum is located in the town center, near the main square. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm, except on public holidays. The admission fee is 5 euros for adults, 3 euros for students and seniors, and free for children under 15.

The museum features four permanent exhibitions, covering different aspects and periods of the town’s history. The exhibitions are:

• The Paper Mill: This exhibition displays the history and technology of the paper mill, which was established in Wattens in 1559, and was the first in the Austrian lands. The paper mill produced high-quality paper, which was used for printing, writing, and art. The paper mill also introduced the watermark, a distinctive symbol that identified the origin and quality of the paper. The exhibition shows the paper production process, the paper products, and the paper mill workers.
• The Crystal Industry: This exhibition displays the history and innovation of the crystal industry, which started in Wattens in 1895, when Daniel Swarovski founded the crystal company Swarovski. He invented a machine that could cut crystal more precisely and efficiently, and created a new market for crystal jewelry and accessories. The crystal industry became the town’s main employer and exporter, and a global leader and pioneer in the crystal industry. The exhibition shows the crystal production and design, the crystal products, and the crystal company Swarovski.
• The Town History: This exhibition displays the history and development of the town, from the pre-Roman times to the present day. The town was first mentioned as Vuattanes in a 930 deed, and became part of the Habsburg Monarchy in 1363. The town developed as a market town, benefiting from its strategic location and its natural resources. The town was also affected by the wars and conflicts that plagued Europe, such as the Thirty Years’ War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the World Wars. The town also witnessed the rise and fall of various political and social movements, such as the Tyrolean Rebellion, the Anschluss, and the European Union. The exhibition shows the town’s landmarks, events, and personalities.
• The Folk Culture: This exhibition displays the culture and tradition of the town and the region, from the past to the present. The culture and tradition are influenced by various factors, such as the geography, the religion, the economy, and the society. The culture and tradition are expressed in various forms, such as the language, the literature, the art, the music, the festivals, and the customs. The exhibition shows the culture and tradition of Wattens and Tyrol.