MUSEUMS IN VILLACH - A JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF HISTORY, ART, AND AUTOMOBILES

As the temperatures cool down, people often look for exciting leisure activities. Especially on rainy days, a visit to a museum is a popular alternative. In Villach, a city with a rich history and a diverse cultural scene, you can experience these aspects up close in its museums. Whether you want to learn more about the city's history, enjoy viewing impressive artworks, or immerse yourself in the world of automobiles from bygone eras - Villach's museums have something to offer for every taste.

THE RICH HISTORY OF THE CITY OF VILLACH

The Museum of the City of Villach, located in an old townhouse in the center of the city on Widmanngasse, takes visitors on a journey into the history and culture of the Villach region. Supported by the state of Carinthia, this museum houses an impressive collection of exhibits, including archaeological finds, historical artifacts, and paintings that tell the story of the city in a fascinating permanent exhibition. Each year, there are also rotating special exhibitions on various themes. The City Museum offers a diverse cultural education program, which has recently been expanded to include tailored programs for people with dementia.

Part of the Museum of the City of Villach also includes the branches of the Stadtpfarrturm (City Parish Tower), the Relief of Carinthia, and the showroom of Villach Castle:

• The Villach Stadtpfarrturm, standing at a height of 94 meters, is the tallest church tower in Carinthia. Since 1993, the tower of St. Jakob's Parish has been open to visitors, offering them a breathtaking view of the city of Villach.
   
• A highlight in Villach is the Relief of Carinthia, a scale model of the Carinthia state that showcases the region in all its topographical splendor. The precision and attention to detail of this artwork are simply impressive. It is also the largest landscape relief of its kind in Europe. Since September 2016, spectacular sound, image, and light effects create a digital and interactive 3D experience, making valleys, rivers, destinations, road networks, and natural phenomena visible.
   
• Near the Drau River, visitors can explore the impressive courtyard of the former Bamberger Stadtburg (Bamberg City Castle). In the showroom of Burg Villach, visitors can gain fascinating insights into the rich history of the region, based on in-depth archaeological and architectural investigations of the house, whose origins date back to the 11th century.

The City Museum and its branches are open to visitors from early May to early November and can be visited individually or with a combination ticket.

ART AND CULTURE IN THE HEART OF VILLACH

The art scene in Villach is thriving and offers a wide range of creative experiences. From the Galerie Freihausgasse to the historic Dinzlschloss and the KUNST RAUM VILLACH on the main square - there is much to discover and experience for both art lovers and artists alike.

• The Galerie Freihausgasse has been delighting art lovers since 1993 with contemporary works by talented artists from the region and beyond. The rotating exhibitions ensure that there is always something new to discover during each visit. In addition to free admission, the gallery also offers guided tours and art education workshops for all age groups. In 2023, the gallery celebrates its 13th anniversary with a double exhibition, providing a stage for sixty artists who have exhibited their works in the gallery over the past three decades.
   
• The historic Dinzlschloss houses a museum that brings the history of the castle and the region to life. The impressive architecture of the castle itself is also a work of art and often serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions and readings. You can also discover artistic sculptures, statues, and objects while strolling through the castle park.
   
• KUNST RAUM VILLACH on Villach's main square provides a platform for both artists and art enthusiasts and creates space for international encounters and critical discussions on an expanded concept of art. Art enthusiasts can look forward to exciting projects and rotating exhibitions here.

AN EXCITING JOURNEY THROUGH TIME FOR TECH AND CAR ENTHUSIASTS

Even lovers of vintage cars and automobile enthusiasts are well catered to in Villach's museum offerings. In Villach, there are two permanent exhibitions that will make the hearts of automobile fans race:
 

• At the Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum, visitors can admire an impressive collection of over 260 two and four-wheeled everyday vehicles from 1927 to 1990. Currently, the museum is unfortunately closed! So, if you're interested in visiting, be sure to check the website beforehand.
   
• The Taf-Timer Auto- und Motorrad Museum, which spans 4,000 square meters, features over 250 cars, from rare one-of-a-kind models to contemporary ones. The Moped and Motorcycle Museum is also located in the adjacent building of the car exhibition.
   

Both museums are a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the glory of spectacular vehicles from the past.

Villach is undoubtedly a place that combines culture and history in a fascinating way. If you have time or are looking for an exciting activity for rainy days, be sure to explore the museums of the city. With rotating special exhibitions, there's always something new to discover. In addition, for those who have seen it all, there are plenty of exciting museums in the immediate vicinity that cater to a wide range of interests - from the Museum of Mushrooms in Treffen to the Bunker Museum at Wurzenpass, the Keltenwelt (Celtic World) in Frög-Rosegg, and the Terra Mystica Educational Visitors Mines in Bad Bleiberg.