The Touriseum at the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle
Trauttmansdorff Castle sits majestically in the centre of the Gardens. Even after a long and turbulent history, the castle has retained its historical significance as Austrian Empress Elizabeth’s beloved retreat. In 2003, the castle was lovingly restored and transformed into the Touriseum: a regional museum belonging to the province of South Tyrol that recounts two hundred years of tourism history. The Touriseum was nominated for a European Museum Award in 2006.OPENING TIMES
- April 1st - October 31th: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Last entrance: 6:00 pm
- November 1st – November 15th: 9:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Last entrance: 8:00 pm
- Fridays in June, July and August: 9:00 am -11:00 pm
- Last entrance: 10:00 pm
Price
- The entrance fee for the Gardens includes free admission to the Touriseum.
The history of tourism in South Tyrol
The Touriseum relates the history and identity of tourism in South Tyrol, and presents differing points of view towards it. The museum’s approach is original and quite witty: the story of tourism it tells goes right up to the present day – all the while switching perspectives between being on holiday and being at home, between guest and host. We hope that this novel approach inspires visitors to rethink their holiday experiences, and try to approach their precious free time in a new way.PERMANENT EXHIBITION
Twenty permanent exhibition rooms in Trauttmansdorff castle tell the story of tourism in Tyrol and South Tyrol: the risks associated with early travel through the Alps, the discovery of Tyrol as a tourist destination, the first peaks in numbers of spa tourists, and the Age of Grand Hotels. Contemporary tourism is another theme: South Tyrol as battleground between National Socialism and Fascism, the influx of the masses that began in the 1960s, and the challenges presented by a tourism industry that was growing exponentially.A particularly fun and special exhibit in the Touriseum is the giant South Tyrol Pinball Machine: ten metres long and made by local craftsmen, the machine takes visitors on an exhilarating ride through South Tyrol.
In 2008, the Touriseum transformed three of its rooms into a permanent exhibit devoted to the castle’s most prominent guest, Empress Sissi: original objects are on display and visitors can listen to a modern radio play.
| Special Exhibition |
|---|
“Sie wünschen? Desidera?“ –
Would you like a short history of the waiting profession? How about some observations on the difficult balance between kowtowing and self-respect? And for dessert, perhaps a little more about tipping? Entitled “Sie wünschen? Desidera?” – What would you like? – the 2011 special exhibition in the Touriseum addresses waiters and waitresses and their difficult relationship with guests. The Touriseum has converted the coach house of Trauttmansdorff Castle into a dining room for the exhibition, with a totally new concept that requires no text: the exhibition is served up to visitors! Come and let yourself be surprised. |