Global stage for the famous monastery library at the world's biggest music event
Admont Abbey looks back on this year's Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with great joy and pride: The Bulgarian singer DARA not only won Europe's most important music competition with her entry, but also brought the world-famous library of Admont Abbey to the big international stage.
Even before the performance, the impressive video recording attracted worldwide attention. In elaborately produced scenes, the singer was projected into the magnificent library of Admont Abbey using state-of-the-art technical effects. Millions of viewers around the world were able to experience the unique beauty of this cultural landmark.
This year in particular, in which the world-famous library is celebrating its 250th anniversary, this global stage is taking on an additional emotional and cultural dimension. The international appeal of the Eurovision Song Contest - the biggest music event in the world - and the timeless fascination of a place that has inspired people from all over the world with its knowledge, culture and extraordinary beauty since the very beginning.
The winner herself also had some emotional words to say after her triumph. In front of the assembled international press, DARA explained that there had been a special force that had led her to victory at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna: „And this power has a name - it is God, it is the universe and the language we all speak: Music.“
The joy at Admont Abbey about this extraordinary presentation is correspondingly great. The combination of modern pop culture and centuries-old cultural heritage impressively demonstrates how inspiring and timelessly important places can still be today.
Now the virtual encounter is to become a real one: The abbey's aim is to personally invite ESC winner DARA to Admont so that she can experience the impressive library live. An official invitation is already being prepared.
With over 160 million viewers, the Eurovision Song Contest is the largest music competition in the world and therefore also a unique stage for Austria's cultural heritage and the beauty of Admont Abbey's library.
All photos (c) ORF, screenshots from ORF ON!
Franz Pichler, Economic Director of the Benedictine Abbey of Admont:
„The presence of our library at the Eurovision Song Contest meant enormous international attention for Admont Abbey and the entire region. This stage is an invaluable cultural and touristic added value.“
Mario Brandmüller, Head of Tourism & Marketing:
„After the international attention from Oprah Winfrey and social media, the ESC 2026 is another important milestone for the global perception of our monastery library.“
