MAMUZ Schloss Asparn/Zaya

About the museum

The castle in Asparn an der Zaya goes back to a medieval complex that was extended in the 13th century. In the 15th century it received its two corner towers; after devastation in the Thirty Years' War it was restored by 1651, giving it essentially its present appearance. For a long time it belonged to the Counts of Breuner, later to the House of Ratibor.

After being used as a wine-region museum in the 1950s, the prehistoric collection of the province of Lower Austria moved in from 1967; the Museum of Prehistory opened in 1970. An archaeological open-air site was created in the park, which has developed into a centre of experimental archaeology since the 1980s. There stand faithfully reconstructed huts and workshops from the Old Stone Age to the Middle Ages.

After the provincial exhibition "Brot & Wein" in 2013, the building was extended and expanded to include early history and medieval archaeology. Since 2014 it has formed the MAMUZ together with the site in Mistelbach, which belongs to the Kulturholding of the province of Lower Austria. The exhibition in the castle shows the most important finds of the provincial collection, complemented by interactive stations and the experience rooms of the "ARCHÄO BASIS" on the ground floor.

Highlights

• Original finds from 40,000 years of Lower Austrian history
• Archaeological open-air site with reconstructed houses and workshops
• ARCHÄO BASIS with animated films and digital games
• Experimental archaeology, craft courses and historical festivals
• Public guided tours at weekends and on public holidays

Permanent exhibitions

• Von der Urgeschichte bis ins Mittelalter – The main exhibition in the castle leads from the Ice Age to the Middle Ages with original finds from the provincial collection and interactive stations.
• ARCHÄO BASIS – Three rooms on the ground floor present prehistory and early history with animated films, digital games and insights into experimental archaeology.
• Archäologisches Freigelände – In the castle park stand reconstructed huts and workshops from the Old Stone Age to the Middle Ages, where crafts are also demonstrated.

Founded

1970

Operated by

WMB Weinviertel Museum Betriebs GmbH (Niederösterreichische Kulturholding)

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for both MAMUZ sites (Schloss Asparn/Zaya and Museum Mistelbach). Free admission with the Niederösterreich-CARD (not for group bookings and events). Card payment with Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 rooms in the castle are barrier-free, with all floors reachable by lift. The open-air site is partly difficult to access because of door thresholds and narrow doors; an accompanying person is recommended.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Interactive stations in the castle and the walk-through open-air site; children's birthday parties on the themes of the Stone Age, Metal Ages and Middle Ages; experience workshops such as spear throwing, archery or bread baking for groups.

Getting there & parking

Sat-nav address: Schlossgasse 1, 2151 Asparn an der Zaya. Taxi available from Mistelbach station.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Bistro "Shepherd's" in the castle courtyard at weekends (only with a valid admission ticket), drinks and snack vending machines on weekdays. Picnic baskets for the open-air site on advance order.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Castle rooms and archaeological open-air site for events; individual consultation and rental brochure on request.

Plan your visit