Holzmuseum Murau

About the museum

The Holzmuseum in St. Ruprecht ob Murau opened on 11 June 1988. It is run by the association "Steirisches Holzmuseum", whose aim is to present the diversity of wood as a raw material in the district of Murau from the perspectives of folk culture, economy and tourism. This idea later gave rise to the "Steirische Holzstraße" and, in 1995, the Styrian provincial exhibition "Holzzeit", which took place in Murau and at the Holzmuseum. In 2004 the Holzwelt Murau emerged from the Holzstraße as a regional development association and has remained an important partner of the museum to this day.

The centrepiece is the main building, a former cattle barn with four storeys and a modern extension serving as the entrance area. The ground floor deals with the use of wood in earlier times for living, farming and wash day, the first floor with old crafts from carpenter to woodcutter. The second upper floor is devoted to the use of wood today, the attic to forest, climate and a touch-and-smell laboratory.

The grounds cover more than 10,000 square metres. They include the HolzBauHaus with contributions from local timber construction firms and a hunting exhibition, the free-standing forestry tower, a wood-and-water playground and an arboretum with more than 70 species of trees and shrubs. Changing special exhibitions are added every year. The museum is funded by membership fees, donations, contributions from the timber and tourism industries, and grants; donations are tax-deductible.

Highlights

• Main building in a former cattle barn with the history of wood across four storeys
• Woodcutter's hut and craft stations
• Wood touch-and-smell laboratory in the attic
• Forestry tower with forest and animal life
• Arboretum with more than 70 species of trees and shrubs and a tree rally
• Wood-and-water playground and craft activities for families

Permanent exhibitions

• Haupthaus: Holz in Vergangenheit und Gegenwart – Four storeys in the former cattle barn on the use of wood, old crafts, types of wood, forest and climate, including a touch-and-smell laboratory.
• HolzBauHaus – Timber construction, energy, living and furniture design with local wood businesses, plus a hunting exhibition.
• Forstturm und Arboretum – Exhibition on the flora and fauna of the local forest in the forestry tower and a walk-through tree garden with a barefoot path and tree rally.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Verein Steirisches Holzmuseum

Admission & discounts

Card payment possible (Maestro, VISA, Mastercard). Admission is free with the Murau GästeCard (inclusive partner). Prices 2026.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Not all areas, but many, are accessible: the entrance area, HolzBauHaus, forestry tower (with assistance) and craft room; the upper floors of the main building can be partly reached step-free from outside. Accessible toilet by the playground. Advance information by telephone is recommended. Dogs are allowed on a lead and with a muzzle.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Creative programme "Basteln im Holzmuseum" (2026: 6 July to 11 September, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12 noon–5 p.m., no registration required, craft pieces from €10), activity programme with nail hammering, stilt walking and skittles, tree rally in the arboretum and wood-and-water playground (access with a valid admission ticket).

Getting there & parking

The museum is close to the Mur cycle path, with signposts from the cycle path.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop "Holzkistl" with handmade products (toys, wooden bowls, jewellery, herbal products). The Gasthaus Anthofer next to the museum offers 60 seats and a beer garden (tel. +43 664 1510945).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit