Pfarr-, Wallfahrts- und Stille Nacht Museum Mariapfarr

About the museum

The Mariapfarr rectory stands on the site of a medieval castle, whose moat and ramparts can still be recognised in the terrain. From the late 12th century the complex was a fief of the Salzburg diocese. In 1217, before a planned crusade, the ministerial Konrad von Pfarr decreed that the castle should in future serve as a rectory – and so it did; the parish church goes back to the former castle chapel.

From 1815 to 1817 Joseph Mohr served as assistant priest in Mariapfarr, his father's place of origin. Here in 1816 he wrote the poem “Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!”, which Franz Xaver Gruber set to music two years later. In 2011 the rectory was renovated and in front of it the Joseph-Mohr-Platz was laid out with a Silent Night fountain.

For the anniversary “200 Years of Silent Night”, the museum in the rectory was expanded, redesigned and reopened in autumn 2018. Five rooms are devoted to Mohr's time in the Lungau, to walking pilgrimages and pilgrimage in general, and to the theme of peace. The treasury displays treasures of the pilgrimage church, including a silver reliquary altar from 1443 and a Christmas crib from 1750 with around 100 figures. The house is one of the Silent Night museums in the Salzburger Land.

Highlights

• Joseph Mohr and the writing of the words to “Silent Night” in 1816
• Small silver altar from 1443 in the treasury
• Christmas crib from 1750 with around 100 figures
• Listening station with “Silent Night” in several languages
• Self-guided tour with the Smart Guide

Permanent exhibitions

• Joseph Mohr und Stille Nacht – This section traces Mohr's origins in the Lungau and his years as assistant priest in Mariapfarr, during which the song text was written; at a listening station the song can be heard in various versions.
• Wallfahrt, Pilgern und Frieden – Media and interactive stations shed light on the tradition of pilgrimage to Mariapfarr and on the message of peace in the Christmas song.
• Schatzkammer – Liturgical treasures of the parish and pilgrimage church such as chalices, monstrances and reliquaries, including the small silver altar of 1443, plus a Baroque crib with around 100 figures.

Founded

2002

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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 is designed to be accessible.

Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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