Experience the history of Tyrol up close: The numerous museums and exhibitions in the provincial capital of Innsbruck will whisk you away to Tyrol's exciting and eventful past and make the hearts of all art and culture lovers beat faster. Whether art history, natural history, archaeology, regional or international contemporary art - there is nothing in Innsbruck that does not exist. However, the special features of the museums are not just the interesting exhibitions themselves, but also the locations in which they are housed. Some of the buildings are at least as steeped in history as the exhibits they house and are among the most important monuments in Tyrol. History inside and out - if that isn't something special! We give you an overview of the most exciting museums in Innsbruck that are definitely worth a visit.
History, art & culture: the most interesting museums in Innsbruck
1) Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum
The Ferdinandeum invites you on a journey through history from the Stone Age to the present day and presents numerous valuable and rare artefacts. The museum is particularly proud of its exquisite Dutch collection - including Rembrandt and Brueghel - beautiful Biedermeier exhibits and valuable musical instruments. The so-called "Modern Gallery" contains works by Oskar Kokoschka, Egon Schiele, Albin Egger-Lienz and Max Weiler.
2) Innsbruck Court Church
Innsbruck's Hofkirche, also known as the Schwarz-Mander-Kirche, is one of the most important monuments in the country. The reason for this is not only the 28 bronze statues, but also the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I. Even if the coffin is empty, the tomb is one of the most magnificent imperial tombs in Europe and is definitely worth a visit.
3) Tyrolean Folk Art Museum
Right next to the Hofkirche is the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, which presents a wealth of artefacts relating to crafts, domestic industries and possessions. The panelled parlours, the historical costumes from various parts of Tyrol and the nativity scenes from the 18th century to the present day are definitely a special feature.
4) Tyrol Panorama
The Tirol Panorama takes a close look at the "myth of Tyrol" in all its contradictions and fascination. On Innsbruck's Bergisel, you can not only enjoy a fabulous view over Innsbruck, you can also marvel at the largest work of art in Tyrol - the giant circular painting. The panoramic painting shows the Tyrolean fight for freedom in 1809 in a breathtaking 360-degree view over an area of almost 1,000 square metres.
5) Ambras Castle Innsbruck
The imposing Ambras Castle towers high above Innsbruck. The breathtaking building is fascinating to look at both from the outside and the inside and is home to numerous exhibitions. Whether it's the fascinating armoury, the magnificent Ambras art collections or the mystical antiquarium - you're guaranteed not to get bored at Ambras Castle. An absolute highlight: the Habsburg Portrait Gallery, where over 200 paintings are on display, including works by famous artists such as Lucas Cranach, Giuseppe Arcimboldo, van Dyck and Diego Velásquez.
As you can see, there is so much to discover in the provincial capital of Innsbruck. The numerous museums guarantee cultural fun for young and old and are therefore the perfect excursion destinations for families. If you want to experience history up close and feel like you've travelled back in time, Innsbruck is the place for you. Let yourself be guided through the history of past centuries! We wish you lots of fun.