Museums of Merano: A journey through history, art and culture

The museums of Merano offer a fascinating journey through the city’s history, art, and culture. From noble residences to places of memory, each museum tells a part of Merano’s identity. Visitors can explore the evolution of women’s roles, discover the roots of the Jewish community, admire artistic masterpieces, or dive into contemporary art. A rich and diverse heritage that makes Merano an unmissable destination for culture lovers.

Women’s Museum “Evelyn Ortner”

This museum owes its name to the collector Evelyn Ortner, who founded it in 1988. The permanent exhibition showcases 200 years of women’s history through objects and documents, exploring femininity through the lens of beauty ideals, social roles, and the relationship between women and work.

Prince’s Castle Museum

One of the best-preserved residences in South Tyrol, this ancient home of the Princes of Tyrol dates back to 1470, when Merano was the region’s capital. Inside, visitors can admire period furnishings, a collection of antique musical instruments, and an atmosphere that evokes the noble life of the past.

Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum and Synagogue tell the story of Merano’s Jewish community, one of the most influential in Central Europe between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Located in the basement of the synagogue built in 1901, the museum illustrates the Jewish contribution to Merano’s development as a spa town while also commemorating the tragic events of the Shoah.

Palais Mamming Museum

The Palais Mamming Museum houses the collections of the Merano Civic Museum inside a splendid 17th-century palace. It preserves valuable archaeological, medieval, and modern art collections, including paintings from the 17th to the 20th century, Gothic sculptures, and a rare death mask of Napoleon I.

Merano Arte

Finally, Merano Arte is a major exhibition center for contemporary art. Inaugurated in October 2001, it has hosted over 40 major exhibitions and hundreds of smaller ones, offering a dynamic platform for artists and curators.

The museums of Merano offer a captivating journey through history, art, and culture, allowing visitors to discover the many facets of this beautiful city. Whether it’s a step into the past or an immersion in contemporary creativity, each visit provides unique emotions and fresh perspectives.