Zillertal Valley Regional Museum

The Zillertal Valley Regional Museum is a museum in Zell am Ziller, Austria, that showcases the history and culture of the Zillertal Valley and its people. The museum is housed in an old farmhouse, called the Ental Farm, that dates back to 1713. The farmhouse was originally located in the nearby village of Schwendau, but was moved to Zell am Ziller in 1994 to become the museum. The museum preserves the original structure and features of the farmhouse, such as the wood-burning oven, the outdoor toilet, and the wooden furniture. The museum also displays various artifacts and exhibits that illustrate the life and work of the farmers, craftsmen, and musicians of the Zillertal Valley over the centuries. The museum also has a chapel, an outbuilding, and a farm garden, where visitors can see the plants and animals that were typical of the alpine region. The museum is open from June to early October, and offers guided tours for groups and individuals. The museum is also a popular destination for school trips and educational programs. The museum is located near the cable car to the Zillertal Arena ski area, and offers a panoramic view of the Zillertal Alps and the Zillertal Valley. The museum is a great place to learn more about the history and heritage of the Zillertal Valley and its people.

History of the Ental Farm

The Ental Farm, or Entalhof in German, is the name of the farmhouse that hosts the Zillertal Valley Regional Museum. The farmhouse was built in 1713, and belonged to the Ental family, who were farmers and craftsmen in the village of Schwendau. The farmhouse was one of the oldest and largest in the Zillertal Valley, and had a typical Tyrolean style, with a wooden structure, a shingle roof, and a balcony. The farmhouse was also richly decorated, with paintings, carvings, and furniture.

The farmhouse was used by the Ental family until 1989, when it was sold to the Zillertal Valley Regional Museum Association. The association decided to move the farmhouse to Zell am Ziller, where it would become the museum. The farmhouse was carefully dismantled, transported, and reassembled in its new location, near the cable car to the Zillertal Arena ski area. The farmhouse was also restored and renovated, to preserve its original appearance and features. The farmhouse was opened to the public as the museum in 1994, and has since welcomed thousands of visitors every year.

Exhibits and Collections

The Zillertal Valley Regional Museum displays various exhibits and collections that illustrate the history and culture of the Zillertal Valley and its people. The exhibits and collections are spread over three floors of the farmhouse, and cover different aspects of the life and work of the farmers, craftsmen, and musicians of the Zillertal Valley over the centuries. Some of the exhibits and collections are:

Ground Floor: This floor showcases the living and working areas of the farmhouse, such as the kitchen, the dining room, the bedroom, the cellar, and the workshop. The exhibits include the original furniture, utensils, tools, and decorations of the farmhouse, as well as some historical documents and photographs. The exhibits also show how the farmers and craftsmen produced and processed food, clothing, and other goods, such as cheese, butter, bread, wool, leather, and wood.
First Floor: This floor showcases the musical and artistic heritage of the Zillertal Valley, which is famous for its folk music and instruments. The exhibits include a collection of musical instruments, such as zithers, harps, accordions, and guitars, as well as some musical scores, recordings, and costumes. The exhibits also show how the musicians and singers of the Zillertal Valley performed and traveled around the world, spreading their music and culture. Some of the famous musical groups from the Zillertal Valley are the Zillertaler Schürzenjäger, the Zillertaler Haderlumpen, and the Zillertaler Mander.
Second Floor: This floor showcases the religious and social aspects of the Zillertal Valley, which are influenced by the Catholic faith and the alpine traditions. The exhibits include a collection of religious objects, such as crucifixes, statues, paintings, and books, as well as some folk art and costumes. The exhibits also show how the people of the Zillertal Valley celebrated and practiced their faith and customs, such as the Christmas crib, the Easter egg, the Maypole, and the Gauder Fest.

Facilities and Services

The Zillertal Valley Regional Museum offers a number of facilities and services that enhance the visitor experience and the educational value of the museum. Some of the facilities and services are:

Chapel: This is a small and simple chapel, which is located next to the farmhouse. The chapel was built in 1996, and is dedicated to Saint Joseph. The chapel has a wooden altar, a stained glass window, and a painting of the Holy Family. The chapel is open for prayer and meditation, and also hosts occasional masses and ceremonies.
Outbuilding: This is a wooden building, which is located behind the farmhouse. The outbuilding was built in 1998, and is used as a storage and exhibition space. The outbuilding displays some of the larger and heavier items that the museum owns, such as carts, sleds, plows, and tools. The outbuilding also has a workshop, where visitors can see how the craftsmen of the Zillertal Valley made and repaired their products.
Farm Garden: This is a small and colorful garden, which is located in front of the farmhouse. The farm garden was created in 2000, and is planted with flowers, herbs, and vegetables that were typical of the alpine region. The farm garden also has some animals, such as chickens, rabbits, and goats, that were kept by the farmers of the Zillertal Valley. The farm garden is a pleasant and educational place, where visitors can learn more about the flora and fauna of the Zillertal Valley.
Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours for groups and individuals, which are led by knowledgeable and friendly guides. The guided tours last about an hour, and cover the history and culture of the Zillertal Valley and its people, as well as the exhibits and collections of the museum. The guided tours are available in German and English, and can be booked in advance or on the spot. The guided tours are also suitable for children and families, as they include interactive and fun elements, such as games, quizzes, and stories.
Educational Programs: The museum offers educational programs for school groups and other groups, which are designed to complement the curriculum and the interests of the participants. The educational programs last about two hours, and include a guided tour of the museum, as well as a hands-on activity, such as baking bread, making cheese, or playing music. The educational programs are available in German and English, and can be customized according to the age and level of the participants. The educational programs are also fun and engaging, as they involve learning by doing and experiencing.