Museumsfriedhof Tirol
Private open-air museum in Kramsach: a cemetery without the dead, with wrought-iron grave crosses, humorous epitaphs, an arcaded courtyard and a modern dance of death.
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About the museum
The Museumsfriedhof was established in Kramsach in 1965. Behind it stands the Guggenberger dynasty of smiths with their Sagzahn art forge, who over generations have collected wrought-iron grave crosses and wayside shrines in North Tyrol, South Tyrol, Salzburg and Bavaria. No one is buried on the grounds; the main exhibits are 19th-century crosses with earthy, warm-hearted, humorous inscriptions that reflect the folk humour of the Alpine region and prompt reflection on coming into being and passing away.
In 2000 the association Museumsfriedhof Tirol was founded, which looks after the site and restores the crosses. From 2011 to 2013 the museum was extended with an arcaded courtyard in which particularly valuable historic grave monuments are displayed; the storage depot holds over 800 crosses from five centuries. In May 2022 the dance of death "Das Letzte" was inaugurated: the sculptor Markus Thurner created ten modern panels in Corten steel, with text by the cabaret artist Wilfried Schmickler. The cycle is about 20 metres long and is regarded as a particularly large modern dance of death.
The grounds also include a museum shop, a World Peace Cross and an exhibition on Tyrol's contribution to space travel. The admission fee serves as a contribution to the upkeep of the private museum.
Highlights
- Wrought-iron grave crosses with humorous inscriptions
- Arcaded courtyard with historic grave monuments from five centuries
- Modern dance of death "Das Letzte" (about 20 m long, Corten steel)
- World Peace Cross
- Museum shop
Permanent exhibitions
- Museumsfriedhof mit schmiedeeisernen Grabkreuzen – Wrought-iron grave crosses and humorous epitaphs, complemented by an arcaded courtyard with historic grave monuments.
- Totentanz „Das Letzte“ – Modern dance-of-death cycle by Markus Thurner in Corten steel, about 20 metres long, with verses by Wilfried Schmickler.
- Founded
- 1965
- Operated by
- Verein Museumsfriedhof Tirol
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Visitors with disabilities | freePeople with disabilities: free admission with a disability pass and EuroKey. |
| Groups | –No group discount, as it is a private museum. |
The admission price is a contribution to upkeep, to be dropped in at the turnstile at the entrance (change machine available). Cash only; groups also pay entirely in cash.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- 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 grounds are suitable for wheelchair users and prams. Accessible toilet available (access with EuroKey). Dogs on a lead are allowed.
Kids & families
- Stroller-friendly
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Sufficient parking for cars and coaches.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop on the grounds.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | There is also an exhibition on Tyrol's contribution to space travel on the grounds. |
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