The collections of the town of Bad Ischl are housed in the former hereditary home of the Seeauer salt manufacturing family. From the 1820s, the later "Hotel Austria" was occupied by Archduke Franz-Karl and his wife Archduchess Sophie in the summer. The historical significance of the building is also reflected in the fact that the young Emperor Franz Joseph and Princess Elisabeth celebrated their engagement here. After changing owners until 1982, the building was finally acquired by the town of Bad Ischl with the support of the province of Upper Austria and the long-cherished wish for a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the spa town and its surroundings could be realized. Since its opening in 1989, the town museum has been showcasing the milestones in the history of the Salzkammergut metropolis.
Bad Ischl Town Museum © Upper Austrian Museums Association
The museum of the town of Bad Ischl was completely redesigned and extensively renovated in July 2024 with the permanent exhibition Hotel Austria. Welcome to the Salzkammergut was reopened. The content of the exhibition spans a period of 7,000 years, with a particular focus on the 19th and 20th centuries with a focus on the events of the First World War and the National Socialist era. The attractively designed themed rooms link the town's history with events in the region and the world: from the history of the salt works to the beginnings of the summer resort and spa industry, the railroad system, prominent guests in the town and current life in Bad Ischl. The history of the house itself is also imaginatively integrated into the curatorial narrative, which as the "Hotel Austria" accommodated numerous summer resort and spa guests.
In the "Wunderkammer der Vereine", visitors can learn interesting facts about customs in the region and the great voluntary commitment of Ischl's citizens. The exhibition is rounded off with a look at how traditions and values are currently lived in Bad Ischl.
The new orientation of the Bad Ischl Museum combines scientific content with staged design and multimedia tools to create a new overall experience, supplemented by an appealing educational concept for young people. In addition to the permanent exhibition on the history of the town, changing special exhibitions are also on offer.
Open all year round
www.stadtmuseum.at
Bad Ischl Town Museum © Upper Austrian Museums Association
