Museums in Liechtenstein

Although the Principality of Liechtenstein is small, it has preserved its history, art and culture well in its museums. The art lovers would not be disappointed as it is home to four museums, which exhibit items of ancient and modern art and life in Liechtenstein in the past.

The Historical Society first opened the Liechtenstein National Museum in 1954 on the upper floor of the new building of the Landesbank. The museum was moved to its present premises of the renovated former Princely tavern in 1972. In 1972, they established a foundation under public law to be responsible for the National Museum. It was closed in 1991 due to severe structural damage. After renovation and expansion from 1999 to 2003, the museum was re-opened in November 2003.

Liechtenstein National Museum has a permanent gallery displaying the cultural and natural history of Liechtenstein along with two special exhibition sections. There are 42 exhibition rooms in the museum where one can see the national treasures of Liechtenstein with detail and interest. The thematically structured permanent exhibition emphasizes six areas, namely, Archaeology, Middle Ages, Modern Era, Ethnic Studies and 19^th-21^st century History and Natural History.

 
The task of the National Museum includes the collection, preservation, documentation, and research of historical objects concerning their cultural and natural relevance to Liechtenstein history and social studies. It also participates in imparting knowledge through exhibitions, educational offerings and counseling services. In 1994, the National Museum has started the operation of the historical Biedermann House in Schellenberg as a branch of the museum that documents the old rural culture and lifestyle of Liechtenstein.

Website: www.landesmuseum.li

2. Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts

The Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts originated in the Liechtenstein State Art Collection founded in 1968.  It shifted to a new building in Vaduz in 2000. Almost 85% of the new building was funded by the private donors as a present to the country for the Millennium. The Museum of Fine Arts is entirely funded by the State of Liechtenstein. The collection of the museum draws attention on all forms of art since 1900. The collection policy is theme-oriented with particular attention given to the area of sculpture/object/installation.

The Museum of Fine Arts presents rotating exhibits of art. It has started following the practice of a new style of presentation of its collections according to the principle of "dialogue", which is presented in a new way for each exhibition.

In addition, exhibits from the collections of the Reigning Prince of Liechtenstein are also showcased continuously.
Website: www.kunstmuseum.li

3. Philately, Postal Museum

The Postal Museum in Liechtenstein should be a must in the itinerary of a stamp collector for a view of the rare stamps. The postage stamps of Liechtenstein are small works of art and important ambassadors of our country. The display at the museum includes important historical documents, devices and equipments used by the postal service along with certain special exhibits.

The Office of Postage Stamp Design is responsible for the production of high-quality Liechtenstein postage stamps, in cooperation with artists from Liechtenstein and abroad. The Postal Museum affiliated with it documents the development of philately and postal history in Liechtenstein and cultivates contacts with associations of collectors in Liechtenstein and abroad. 

Website: www.pwz.li

4. Ski Museum 

Ski Museum is located in Vaduz. It is a good idea to visit the museum to be acquainted with documented history related to 100 years of skiing illustrated by Noldi Beck. It had a humble beginning with a couple of ski bindings of the 60’s, which later developed into a unique ski and winter sports collection accurately documenting ski sport in Europe. The pride of the museum is the Toni Sailer’s 1958 World Cup skis and Hanni Wenzel’s 1980 Olympics equipment.

5. Walser Museum 

Walser Museum is located in Triesenberg close to the 13^th century Walser community. The museum exhibits details relating to Walser population, its history, religious customs, topography, machinery for the timber, cattle and agricultural industry and the “Maiensäss Hut”, a small traditional alpine hut. The highlight of the museum is the multi-media slide show relating to the alpine region of Liechtenstein that presents impressive close-to reality pictures. 

Source: www.liechtenstein.li