The large museum in Admont Abbey - culture in impressive dimensions
Since it opened in 2003, the Stift Admont Museum has established itself as a major player on the Austrian museum scene. Covering an area equivalent to 36 detached houses, it offers a fascinating blend of art, nature and history – impressive, diverse and unique.
Connection of Old and New
What makes the Stift Admont Museum so special is, on the one hand, the fascinating blend of old and new in terms of both architecture and content, and, on the other hand, the diversity of what it has to offer. All under one roof, visitors will find art ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day, manuscripts and early printed books, a natural history museum covering the period 1866–1906 (a museum within a museum), an art history museum, special exhibitions, the multimedia presentation of the abbey, a dedicated interactive space for the „Gesäuse National Park“ and the museum workshop. In addition, the newly designed portico has housed a GOTHIC museum since 2017.
World's Largest Monastery Library
For most visitors, the late Baroque library is a truly breathtaking sight. After all, it is the largest monastic library hall in the world. At the same time, the vibrant dialogue between tradition and innovation can be experienced in the exhibition content, the exhibition design and far beyond. Contemporary art is at the heart of the collection at the Stift Admont Museum. Another key focus is the commissioned artworks from the museum’s own ‘MADE FOR ADMONT’ programme. Finally, the special collection ‘BEYOND SIGHT – ART CONNECTS THE BLIND AND THE SIGHTED’ is truly unique.
Admont Abbey Museum: a cultural gem
The Benedictine Abbey of Admont in Styria is a cultural jewel in the heart of the Austrian Alps. With its unique combination of spiritual tradition, impressive architecture and important art and nature collections, it is one of the most fascinating excursion destinations in Europe.
At the heart of the abbey lies the world’s largest monastic library – a masterpiece of the late Baroque period. Visitors are particularly awestruck by the magnificent library hall with its more than 60,000 books, the artistically designed frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte and the delicate sculptures by Josef Stammel. Here, one can sense the spirit of centuries of scholarship – a true journey through time into the world of knowledge and faith.
Art, nature and history under one roof
But Admont Abbey has much more to offer: its modern museums present a fascinating blend of past and present. The Museum of Art History displays valuable medieval manuscripts and sacred art, whilst the Museum of Contemporary Art offers surprising contrasts and contemporary works. In addition, the Natural History Museum delights visitors of all ages with an extensive collection of native and exotic taxidermy specimens – an ideal place to marvel and learn.
A tour of the monastery not only provides insights into the world of the Benedictine monks, but also into the cultural richness and spiritual expanse that this house has radiated since 1074. Surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Gesäuse National Park, Admont Benedictine Abbey is also an ideal place for an inspiring break - a place where nature, culture and spirituality come together in a unique way.
Those who want to experience history, enjoy art and find inner peace should not miss out on a visit to the Benedictine Abbey of Admont.
