Schloss Bruck

About the museum

The Counts of Gorz had the castle built between 1252 and 1277 on a hill in front of Schlossberg as a residence; it is first mentioned in 1277. Romanesque details such as a double window in the keep and the painted beam ceiling in the knights' hall are preserved from this time. The two-story castle chapel received its greatest ornament in the 15th century when Nikolaus Kenntner and Simon of Taisten painted the walls.

After the death of the last Gorz in 1500, Bruck fell to Maximilian I, who soon pawned the lordship of Lienz to the Wolkensteiner. Later the castle belonged to the Haller convent for women and was a court seat – in 1679/80 the witch trial against Emerentiana Pichler took place here. It then served as a field hospital and barracks, from 1827 in private ownership as a shipping company, brewery and inn, until Ottilie Röck had it restored in the Historicist style between 1911–1913.

In 1942 the city of Lienz bought the castle and opened it in June 1943 as the East Tyrolean heritage house; after wartime closure, the museum resumed operations in 1945. With the comprehensive renovation in 1999/2000 according to plans by Gerhard Mitterberger, the medieval core was exposed and a tour created; in 2013 the west wing was added as exhibition space.

Today the focus is on the castle itself and the work of Albin Egger-Lienz, including since 2021 a version of the "Dance of Death" as a long-term loan. Collections from art, folklore and natural history are shown in annually changing exhibitions.

Highlights

• Most comprehensive collection of works by painter Albin Egger-Lienz
• "Dance of Death" by Egger-Lienz as long-term loan
• Castle chapel with late Gothic frescoes by Simon of Taisten
• Knights' hall with Romanesque beam ceiling
• Keep and view over the Lienzer valley floor
• Castle park and café terrace

Permanent exhibitions

• Sammlung Albin Egger-Lienz – Paintings and works by the East Tyrolean painter from all creative periods, including a version of his main motif "Dance of Death".
• Burg und Schlosskapelle – Tour through the residence of the Gorz Counts with knights' hall, keep and chapel with late Gothic frescoes by Nikolaus Kenntner and Simon of Taisten.

Founded

1943

Operated by

Stadtgemeinde Lienz

Director

Stefan Weis (Museumsleiter)

Admission & discounts

Discounts with Ö1 Club, Nationalpark Kärnten Card, Tyrolean Family Pass, Danube Tourism or Felbertauern Bonus Card. Free admission with Osttirol Card, City of Lienz sports pass, ICOM or Museum Association pass, press pass and Culture Pass "Hunger for Art and Culture".

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Exhibitions are distributed over three floors accessible only by stairs; there are also steps between rooms. Staff will assist with access upon advance notice. Disabled parking directly in front of the castle; main entrance accessible via steep slope, rear entrance has metal ramp. Courtyard has partly historic paving and steps, mobile ramp possible. No wheelchair rental.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family Sundays in July and August (2 p.m., for 6- to 12-year-olds, 6.50 € incl. admission and materials, registration required) with jewelry and origami workshops and medieval games in castle garden. Children's birthdays from 6 years with three programs (knights and princesses, treasure hunt, animal tracks), 65 € for 8 children.

Getting there & parking

By car via Felbertauern Road (B 100) to Lienz; the castle is directly on B 100 at 683 m elevation.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Castle café with sun terrace and view over the Lienzer valley floor (museum brunch Sat, Sun and holidays from 9 a.m. only by reservation); museum shop outside the entrance area, freely accessible, plus online shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil ceremonies in the castle chapel (dates via Lienz registry office), subsequent sparkling wine reception in castle café or on terrace possible; the outer ward can be booked for children's birthdays.

Plan your visit