Zinnfigurenwelt Katzelsdorf

About the museum

The museum uses the last surviving hall of the farmstead (Meierhof) of Katzelsdorf Castle. During the Second World War, the Wehrmacht set up the largest horse infirmary on the Eastern Front here, at peak times with up to 2,000 horses; after 1955 the building was used as a candle factory. The municipality acquired the stables in 1988, the castle in 1993 and the hall in 2000.

From 2001 the municipality renovated the hall, supported voluntarily by the pensioners' group "Graue Panther". In autumn 2001 the museum association was formed from municipal members and the Gesellschaft 1683, which has since looked after the tin figure collectors. The permanent exhibition on the first floor opened on September 4, 2004; in 2009 the converted attic was added for special exhibitions and events, and on the second floor there is a room for museum education. In 2021 the house received the Austrian Museum Seal of Quality.

On 1,200 square meters, the museum shows snapshots from all areas of life and periods of history in around 200 display cases and dioramas, including Austria's largest figure diorama, at 20 square meters. The only tin figure casting workshop in the country is attached to it; there is also a painting group, tabletop meetings and a children's program.

Highlights

• Around 40,000 tin figures on 1,200 m² of exhibition space
• Austria's largest figure diorama (20 m²)
• Live casting workshop: casting demonstration on the first Sunday of each month
• Scenes from history, everyday life, fairy tales and film
• Hands-on activities: painting, tabletop, diorama building, children's birthday parties
• Museum Seal of Quality since 2021

Permanent exhibition

• Zinnfigurenwelt – Dauerausstellung – Dioramas and display cases with historical and modern tin figures show history, everyday life, fairy tales and film worlds; the exhibits change regularly.

Founded

2004

Operated by

Museumsverein „Zinnfigurenwelt Katzelsdorf“, Betreuung durch Verein 1683

Director

Franz Rieder

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Niederösterreich-CARD; the card can also be purchased or renewed at the museum. Even with free or reduced admission, a guided tour requires a tour card. Payment by Bankomat card is possible.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum describes itself as barrier-free and is a partner company for "betreutes Reisen" (assisted travel). Dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The companion "Max frag mich was" guides children through the exhibition; they can join in and build their own diorama, and there is a play corner for the youngest. Craft afternoons and children's birthday parties with medieval or fairy-tale themes (ages 6 to 12, registration via the municipal office).

Getting there & parking

By car via the A2 Südautobahn, exit S4 toward Eisenstadt, exit Katzelsdorf. Katzelsdorf is part of the cycling network of the "Bucklige Welt" region and lies on the "Thermen-Radweg".

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café and museum shop with figures, books, diorama-building materials and tin decorations.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit