NaturErlebnisMuseum nature4future

About the museum

The museum goes back to the collector, draftsman and painter Herbert Schliefsteiner (1925–2009). In 1991 he opened a nature museum in the former Cistercian abbey of Neuberg, where he displayed animal mounts, trophies and butterflies in naturalistic dioramas of his own design. The collection was one of the largest private natural history collections in Austria, and he kept expanding it until the end of his life.

In 2021 the Schliefsteiner family handed the house over to the market municipality of Neuberg an der Mürz, which entrusted the operation to the association Naturpark Mürzer Oberland. Together with an ecological research institute and a graphic design agency, a new concept was developed. From spring 2023 the exhibits were cleaned, documented and moved into a newly set up display depot; the exhibition rooms were then rebuilt.

In May 2025 the house reopened as the NaturErlebnisMuseum nature4future. Instead of classic display cases, there are now 17 interactive theme areas in a bold, pun-filled style. They show the diversity of the seven Styrian nature parks and address current environmental and climate issues. The Schliefsteiner Collection is integrated into the display and is largely on view in the display depot.

Highlights

• 17 interactive theme areas on biodiversity, the environment and climate
• Schliefsteiner Collection of animal mounts and dioramas in the display depot
• Researchers' studio with microscopes and nest box building
• Solving crime cases in "C.S.I. Naturpark"
• Silent Zoo with a busy animal picture

Permanent exhibitions

• NaturErlebnisMuseum nature4future – Interactive permanent exhibition with 17 theme areas on the biodiversity of Styria's seven nature parks, and on environmental and climate issues.
• Sammlung Schliefsteiner im Schaudepot – The animal mounts, trophies and dioramas of the collector Herbert Schliefsteiner are integrated into the exhibition and largely displayed in a separate display depot.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Verein Naturpark Mürzer Oberland

Admission & discounts

Children up to 6 years accompanied by an adult enter free. Admission is free with the Steiermark Card. Cash and debit card payments are accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 exhibition is on the second and third floors of a historic building and, according to the museum, is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

17 interactive theme areas, designed explicitly for families, groups, schools and kindergartens; researchers' studio for microscopy and nest box building. Children up to 6 years free; family ticket and family pass discount.

Getting there & parking

By car from Vienna via the A2 and the Semmering expressway to Mürzzuschlag, then toward Neuberg an der Mürz; from Graz via Bruck an der Mur and Mürzzuschlag.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit