Museum der Wahrnehmung (MUWA)

About the museum

The Museum of Perception was founded in 1990 by Werner Wolf and was initially housed in mobile containers in Graz's Stadtpark. In 1996 it moved into the former municipal public bath of the Jakomini district on the edge of the Augarten, which had been built in 1904 and was in operation until 1995. The opening on 26 October 1996 was performed by the cyberneticist Heinz von Foerster.

The octagonal building with its mighty chimney in the centre was adapted in keeping with its listed status. On the middle and upper floors the museum shows a permanent exhibition of perception installations developed by artists, designers, perception psychologists and engineers, including the Taktiloskop, the Benham disc and the Fiji experiment. Many stations expressly invite visitors to touch and try them out. Changing art exhibitions run alongside.

In 1999, as part of an EU project, the Samadhi Bath was created in the basement, where you float in salt water in complete darkness, thus continuing the bathing tradition of the building. Since the death of the founder Werner Wolf in 2023, the museum has been directed by Eva Fürstner; it is run by the Verein der Freunde des Museums der Wahrnehmung (association of friends of the museum).

Highlights

• Permanent perception installations such as the Taktiloskop and the Benham disc
• Samadhi Bath for floating in complete darkness
• Octagonal former public bath from 1904
• Changing art exhibitions
• Location in the Augarten

Permanent exhibition

• Wahrnehmungsinstallationen – Permanent exhibition of objects developed by artists, designers, perception psychologists and engineers that irritate and challenge everyday sensory perception.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Verein der Freunde des Museums der Wahrnehmung

Director

Eva Fürstner

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Kulturpass, Jugend Check-it-Card Steiermark and Steiermark-Card. The Samadhi Bath is used by appointment; according to the website, appointments will not be bookable again until 2027.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

According to the house rules, guide dogs are allowed in the exhibition rooms.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Many installations invite visitors to touch and try them; groups can take advantage of educational programmes with tours and workshops. For Graz schools there is the "Wundertüte" scheme (three cultural visits for €12 per pupil).

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the Augarten (Friedrichgasse 41), next to the children's museum FRida & freD.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Cloakroom with umbrella stand; food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibition rooms.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 70 guests.

Available for hire for lectures, discussions, concerts and conferences with about 50–70 people; 50 chairs and a screen are available, hirers bring their own technology and catering. Price €60 per hour plus a €60 cleaning fee (excl. VAT); must end by 10 p.m. at the latest.

Plan your visit