Museum Arbeitswelt Steyr

About the museum

The Museum Arbeitswelt opened in 1987 as part of the Upper Austrian provincial exhibition "Arbeit Mensch Maschine" (Work, People, Machines). It was created in two revitalised 19th-century factory buildings in the Wehrgraben district of Steyr, directly on the river, inspired by British industrial museums. It is regarded as Austria's first museum of labour and has for decades asked how everyday life and working conditions have changed since industrialisation.

The museum is run by the "Verein Museum Arbeitswelt" association, which has around 200 members. In 2002 a flood of the Steyr destroyed the entire exhibition area, which was subsequently rebuilt. In 2009 the Politikwerkstatt (Politics Workshop) was added as a place of learning for democratic education, and in 2013 the "Stollen der Erinnerung" (Tunnel of Remembrance) opened in a former air-raid tunnel, for which the museum provides the educational support. In 2019 the museum received the Austrian Museum Prize.

Besides changing exhibitions on technology, migration, the world of work and current social issues, the museum offers an extensive education programme for school classes and groups, such as the digital LABOUR LAB on the history of the labour movement. The historic halls also serve as a venue for cabaret, readings, concerts and talks, and are available for hire.

Highlights

• Austria's first museum of labour, in factory buildings since 1987
• LABOUR LAB with virtual reality and gamification
• Access to the Tunnel of Remembrance (forced labour and concentration camp in Steyr)
• Education programmes from kindergarten to adult education
• Events programme with cabaret, readings and concerts
• Winner of the Austrian Museum Prize 2019

Permanent exhibition

• LABOUR LAB – Spielraum für gerechte Arbeit – Interactive station with virtual reality and gamification on the history of the labour movement and the working world of tomorrow, aimed mainly at school classes and apprentices.

Founded

1987

Operated by

Verein Museum Arbeitswelt

Admission & discounts

Admission is also free for association members, student teachers, and holders of the Kulturpass "Hunger auf Kunst und Kultur", the moecard (Austrian Museum Association) and the ICOM card.

Accessibility

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

Exhibitions are accessible without barriers, with texts in plain language, tactile elements and trained staff; guided tours with sign language interpreters on request. Accessible car parking space at the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Education programmes and workshops from kindergarten age as well as family events such as puppet theatre; children and young people up to 19 years have free admission.

Getting there & parking

The Steyr Valley Cycle Route (R8) passes directly by the museum, with bicycle racks at the museum. By car via the A1 (exit Haag, Steyr-Enns West or Sattledt) or the A9 (Klaus).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Coat check

Café/bar "Glück auf" outdoors on the riverbank; cloakrooms and toilets in the foyer; online shop with books and museum products.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Large hall (380 m²), small hall (140 m²), two seminar rooms and a gallery; catering via the Christkindlwirt hotel/restaurant.

Plan your visit