Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum
Official museum in Arnold Schwarzenegger's childhood home in Thal near Graz, with original exhibits from sport, film and politics.
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About the museum
Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up in Thal near Graz in the former forester's house of the Counts of Herberstein, where his family lived in a gendarmerie service apartment. In 1966 he left the house to make a name for himself as a bodybuilder, later as an actor and as Governor of California. As early as 2004, a hiking trail to the places that marked his life had been laid out in Thal.
The idea for a museum was put to Schwarzenegger in 2007, and he pledged his support and numerous personal items. In 2009 the investor Christian Baha successfully bid for the house, which had until then been privately owned, and it was subsequently renovated. On the birthday of its namesake, 30 July 2011, it was handed over as a museum; the official opening followed on 7 October 2011 with the unveiling of a larger-than-life bronze statue by Schwarzenegger himself.
The exhibition follows his life story from childhood and youth through bodybuilding and his film career to his time as governor. Over the years further areas were added, such as his military service and new film props. The museum sees itself as the only museum in the world that bears his name and is personally supported by him. Audio guides were produced in cooperation with students of the University of Graz.
Highlights
- Arnold Schwarzenegger's childhood home in the former Herberstein forester's house
- Original exhibits from bodybuilding, his film career and his time as governor
- Film props such as those from Terminator
- Audio guides in German, English and Hungarian
- Puzzle rally and treasure hunt for children
Permanent exhibition
- Das Leben von Arnold Schwarzenegger – Original exhibits and memorabilia on his childhood and youth, bodybuilding, film career, military service and governorship.
- Founded
- 2011
- Operated by
- ARNIEs life GmbH
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €14.90 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €11.90Students up to 27 years, seniors aged 60 and over, people with disabilities, military and civilian service personnel, voluntary service participants, job seekers, GrazCard holders (with proof) |
| Children & teens | €7.90Children aged 5 to 14 and school classes |
| Seniors | €11.90aged 60 and over |
| Visitors with disabilities | €11.90People with disabilities |
| Students & apprentices | €11.90up to 27 years |
| Groups (10+ people) | €11.90 per personGroup discount for 10 or more people: adults €11.90, reduced €7.90, children and school classes €5.90 |
| Fixed-time tour (Sat/Sun 11:00 am, from 5 people) | €5per person, plus admission; no registration required |
| Standard tour for groups (10–25 people, approx. 1 hour) | €20per group, plus admission |
| Thal tour (10–25 people, approx. 2 hours) | €45per group, plus admission; Thalersee lake, Unterthal ruins, parish church, primary school and museum |
| Children's tour (ages 6–12, 10–25 people, approx. 45 min.) | €20per group, plus admission |
Tickets are available only on site at the museum.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum offers free audio guides and accessible texts (to read as an alternative to listening).
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Free puzzle rally (treasure hunt sheet at the ticket desk), children's tours by booking (ages 6–12) and a treasure hunt with a short tour.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Thalersee
From Graz Jakominiplatz take bus 40 to the terminus Gösting; from the main station take tram 7 to Alte Poststraße, then bus 65 to Gösting. From Gösting take bus 48 to the Thalersee stop, then a short walk uphill following the signs.
By car
Parking available
Please park only in the spaces designated for the museum; alternatively use the municipal car park in Thal (Am Kirchberg 1, next to the charging station), a short walk away.
By car from Wienerstraße towards Gösting and on to Thalersee; before the golf course, take the steep road up to the museum; signposted.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (DE, EN, HU) |
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups must be booked at least two weeks in advance using the form on the website. Pets are not allowed in the museum and can wait on a leash in front of the house. |
