New publication at Admont Abbey

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

"The fire of 1865 and the rebuilding of the Styrian Benedictine monastery of Admont. A contribution to fire disasters in Central European monasteries and their effects."
The dissertation by Fr Maximilian Schiefermüller was printed by EOS-Verlag and can be purchased in the museum shop of Admont Abbey as well as in specialised shops. In terms of content, the extensive work by the monastery archivist sheds light on the building history of the monastery before the fire of 1865 and the situation of the convent. The event of the fire itself is discussed in detail for the first time with all available sources (contemporary and eyewitness reports), including the effects of the fire on the monastery community, the church(es) and the building. Also for the first time, the projected new building plans for the monastery complex are included to provide an insight into what happened after the fire: Extensive demolition work of the largely still existing and only partially damaged buildings, the projected new construction of a monastery complex and its individual functional areas, the church building in the mirror of historicism, acting persons and decision-makers, the appeals for donations and the celebrations for the consecration of the church. The publication ends with an analysis of the hitherto incomprehensible halt to construction work.

The library of the Benedictine Abbey of Admont

Abbey librarian Fr Maximilian Schiefermüller has produced a new art guide to the world's largest monastery library. This can also be purchased in the museum shop. The brochure is different to the printed material previously published about the library. On the one hand, it illuminates the library space from the point of view of the scientist and librarian through an introduction to the holdings; on the other hand, it can be used as a guide through the library, but also as reading material "for at home". The tour of the Abbey Library begins at the entrance on the museum side. You are then guided through the room - just like on a real tour - with a view of the works of art and the room furnishings. The "Four Last Things" in the centre room are mentioned as well as hidden places and spaces. Once in the northern part of the hall, the return journey begins with a view of the ceiling frescoes. Like the brochure on the "Ceiling frescoes of the Abbey Library" (also available in the museum shop), this high-quality publication was produced in collaboration with the company Pedagrafie (photo, design and layout) in Passau.