Museum 1915–18

About the museum

The museum was created on the initiative of the Dolomitenfreunde association, which is dedicated to researching the mountain war between Austria-Hungary and Italy and has its seat in the town hall of Kötschach-Mauthen. It opened in 1992 on around 600 square metres in the town hall's rooms.

The focus is not on the generals' strategy but on the ordinary soldier and his daily life on a front that stretched from the Ortler to the Adriatic. More than 1,500 historical photographs and documents, numerous original objects and reconstructed positions in the high mountains show how the men lived, fought and suffered in rock and ice.

The museum has received several awards, including the first Austrian Museum Prize in 1993 and the Austrian Museum Seal of Quality (most recently in 2022). In 1994 it was among the nominated institutions for the European Museum of the Year Award. The association also looks after the open-air museum of the mountain war at the Plöcken Pass.

Highlights

• Over 1,500 historical photos and documents on the mountain front 1915–1918
• Reconstructed positions and shelters in the high mountains
• A view of the ordinary soldier rather than the commanders
• Audio guide as a free smartphone app
• Austrian Museum Prize 1993

Permanent exhibition

• Museum 1915–1918 – Vom Ortler bis zur Adria – Permanent exhibition on the mountain war on the front between Austria-Hungary and Italy, with photos, documents, original objects and reconstructed positions.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Dolomitenfreunde e. V.

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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

Stairlift in the town hall foyer, ramp next to the only staircase in the museum area, and toilet facilities for people with reduced mobility. Dogs are allowed in the museum.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area

Near the ticket area there is a play and colouring corner for the youngest guests, who may find the subject too difficult. A rally is available for school classes.

Getting there & parking

By car from the east and north via the A10 to Spittal-Millstätter See, the B100 to Oberdrauburg and the B110 to Kötschach-Mauthen; from the south via the A2 to Hermagor and the B111. Sat-nav coordinates according to the museum: 46.671648 / 13.000376. Nearest airport: Klagenfurt.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Museum shop in the entrance area; free Wi-Fi in the ticket area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit