Messner Mountain Museum Ripa
Museum in the castle of Brunico devoted to the cultures of mountain peoples in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Messner Mountain Museum Ripa is in the castle of Brunico, a 13th-century building that served as the summer residence of the prince-bishops of Bressanone. The castle has been renovated with light grey wood, glass and steel. Ripa is one of the venues of the Messner Mountain Museum network; the name, in Tibetan, means “the man of the mountain”.
The museum is devoted to the life of mountain peoples and presents the permanent exhibition “Das Erbe der Berge” (The Heritage of the Mountains). Works of art, reconstructed living spaces, objects, films and voices tell the stories of the cultures of the Sherpas, the indigenous peoples of the Americas, the Tibetans, the Mongols and the Hunza. Traditional buildings from Nepal, Peru and Morocco are on display, along with costumes, tools and ritual objects.
The displays are conceived as a meeting place rather than a museum of showcases. The visit route is barrier-free, except for the two towers.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition “Das Erbe der Berge” on mountain peoples
- Traditional buildings from Nepal, Peru and Morocco
- Ritual objects, costumes and tools of the Sherpas, Tibetans, Mongols and Hunza
- Medieval castle of Brunico, summer residence of the prince-bishops of Bressanone
Permanent exhibition
- Das Erbe der Berge – Permanent exhibition on the cultures of mountain peoples in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, with reconstructed spaces, objects, films and testimonies.
- Founded
- 2011
- Visitors per year
- approx. 47,539
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €14 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €12students up to 28, people aged 65 and over, people with disabilities and groups of 15 people |
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 5 · Children and young people aged 6 to 18; free admission under 6. |
| Seniors | €12From 65 years. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €12 |
| Students & apprentices | €12Up to 28 years. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €12 per personPer person. |
| Families | €32Two adults with children up to 14 years. |
| Mini family | €18One adult with children up to 14 years. |
| School classes (ages 6–19) | €6Per person. |
| Annual pass Arte e Caffè | €33 |
| MMM Tour-Ticket (several MMM venues) | €50Valid for one year; reduced rate €40; see the website for the included venues. |
With the GEO-Card, two adult tickets for the price of one. The guest card is not valid. Tickets can be bought online.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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
Entrance with ramp and lift; the visit route is barrier-free, except for the two towers. Animals are not admitted, except dogs that accompany blind or deaf people.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
| Family ticket | €32 · Two adults with children up to 14 years. |
Family and mini-family tickets are available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
By train to Fortezza or Brunico, then about 20 minutes on foot to the castle.
By car
Paid parking
Paid public car park at the Schlosshügel, a few minutes' walk from the entrance.
By car you can drive up to the museum entrance.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The castle has a café with light snacks, coffee and cakes.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | no |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Photography | Private photography and filming are allowed without flash; commercial use requires authorisation from the museum management. |
| Good to know | Audio guide on a smartphone with QR cards at €4 from the ticket office (no app needed; you need your own headphones). No regular guided tours are offered; for groups a short introduction can be arranged, subject to availability. A visit of at least one hour is recommended. |
