Paneum

About the museum

PANEUM opened in October 2017 at the headquarters of the baking ingredients manufacturer backaldrin in Asten near Linz. Its foundation is the company’s art and culture collection on the theme of bread; the client was company owner Peter Augendopler.

The building was designed by Wolf D. Prix of the Viennese firm COOP HIMMELB(L)AU. On a rectangular concrete plinth, which houses a customer centre and an event forum, sits a free-form structure of cross-laminated timber, clad with around 3,000 stainless steel shingles. The architect describes it as a “cloud ship”, a kind of ark for valuable objects; inside, a spiral steel staircase connects the levels. Construction took place from 2015 to 2017.

On almost 1,000 square metres, the exhibition leads from the Neolithic to the present. Ten thematic areas deal with agriculture and processing, guilds and punishments for bakers, bread as an instrument of power and its role in religions. On display are objects from many cultures, such as Egyptian grain mummies, Peruvian totem poles, Chinese granaries, guild implements, paintings, porcelain and an extensive collection of books.

Highlights

• Free-form timber building “cloud ship” by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU
• Egyptian grain mummies
• Peruvian totem poles and Chinese granaries
• Porcelain ballet with figures from the baker’s trade
• Bouquet of ears of wheat by Coco Chanel

Permanent exhibition

• Wunderkammer des Brotes – Ten thematic areas span the arc from the invention of bread in the Neolithic via guilds, hunger and religion to the variety of bread today.

Founded

2017

Operated by

backaldrin International The Kornspitz Company GmbH

Admission & discounts

Audio guide or tour included in admission. Combined ticket with Stift St. Florian available. Tickets and vouchers can be booked online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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 building is step-free and easily accessible with a walker or wheelchair; there are seats on all levels. Dogs are not allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Age-appropriate programmes for primary schools and after-school care from 6 years; during the holidays there are children’s tours such as puzzle rallies. Family tickets discounted with the Upper Austrian, Lower Austrian and Salzburg family cards.

Getting there & parking

Via the A1, exit Asten/St. Florian, about 1 km towards St. Florian, then turn left and follow the signs to PANEUM or backaldrin. Older satnavs still know the address as Florianistraße 1. By bicycle from the Abwinden-Asten Danube power station via the Anton Bruckner cycle route R14.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

No café in the building; the team can recommend places to eat in Asten and St. Florian.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit