Minnehus
Museum in Laion dedicated to the medieval poet Walther von der Vogelweide, with a multisensory route through his life, works and origins.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Minnehus is a museum on the square of the village of Laion, in South Tyrol, dedicated to the medieval poet and minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide. It is based on research into his origins which, according to studies carried out by Georg Mühlberger, point to the Vogelweiderhof farm in the Laion area. The idea was born in 2006 and the museum opened on 22 April 2023.
To realise the project, the former hospice of Laion was renovated, with an investment of about €700,000, also financed by the European LEADER programme. The building is the work of the architect Christa Mayr, while the exhibition rooms were designed by the Gut group of Bolzano. The museum is run by the municipality of Laion together with the Minnehus association.
The Minnehus is not a traditional museum: it does not display finished objects, but invites visitors to engage with a little-known world. It tells the story of Walther through sensory experiences: videos, symbolic images, colours, materials, figures and comic strips for the eye; his works and their translations for the ear, in a soundscape with historical noises and sounds; and fine materials such as wood for the sense of smell. In the surroundings, a themed route links the museum to the Vogelweiderhof.
Highlights
- Multisensory route on Walther von der Vogelweide
- Rooms designed by the Gut group of Bolzano
- Free audio guide with the Hearonymus app
- Themed route to the Vogelweiderhof
- Building accessible, with a lift to all levels
Permanent exhibition
- Walther von der Vogelweide – Permanent multisensory route on the life and works of Walther von der Vogelweide and on research into his origins.
- Founded
- 2023
- Operated by
- Comune di Laion
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Children from 6 to 17 years and students with a student card |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Children from 6 to 17 years; free admission up to 5 years. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeVisitors with a disability enter free. |
| Students & apprentices | €3With a student card only. |
| Groups | –Guided groups (maximum 15 people): €20 for the visit, plus the admission ticket. |
| Guided group visit (max. 15 people) | €20Plus admission. |
| Individual guided visit (min. 3 people) | €3Supplement per person. |
For schools in the municipality of Laion there is a €1 discount per visitor.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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
Access is barrier-free, with an electric door opener, and a lift serves all levels. From the bus stop (line 351, low-floor vehicle or ramp) the route of about 200 m is well paved but uphill; assistance is recommended for wheelchair users. The route offers experiences for sight, hearing and smell.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus line 351 to Laion; the vehicles have a ramp or lowered platform for wheelchairs.
From the bus stop to the museum is about 200 m uphill on a well-paved surface; the Minnehus is on the left-hand side of the village square.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | The Hearonymus audio guide can be downloaded free of charge to your smartphone. Guided tours are requested via the contact form on the website. |
