Dusty and boring? To be perfectly honest, this is how many of us imagine museums, even though they have long since become far more entertaining. These days a museum visit is more exciting than ever before and many promise rich interactive experiences. The following is a selection of exciting museums sure to thrill both adults and children alike!
The MuseumPasseier in the Passeiertal valley
Ever heard of Puandlkroomer, Moutsch or Kuipuan? Don’t worry; most South Tyroleans haven’t either. At the MuseumPasseier at the Sandhof inn, the birthplace of Andreas Hofer, discover the exciting history of how a bearded innkeeper and cattle dealer became a freedom fighter. Along the way, you’ll also learn a few words of South Tyrolean dialect for good measure.
Correctly identify the meaning of seldom-used dialect expressions while training your pronunciation skills at interactive stations. For example, an audio station at the entrance checks whether you can pronounce the name of the main town of the valley correctly in local dialect (German skills required). Will you pass the "Psairer Test"? Find out for yourself!
The Touriseum at Trauttmansdorff Castle in Meran
Travel back in time and experience 200 years of tourism history in a region steeped in history. Trauttmansdorff Castle was once a favourite holiday destination for Empress Sissi in Meran. The former residence has since been converted into an entertaining adventure museum called Touriseum - The South Tyrolean State Museum of Tourism.
Each room has been carefully planned with attention to detail, offering plenty of surprises, life-size figures, detailed models, staged backdrops, a small children's hotel, and much more. The Südtirolspiel, probably the largest pinball machine in the world, is a special highlight. A Val Gardena artist carved this 10-m ‘tourist pinball machine’ from stone pine. The ball, which represents the tourist, sets off on a journey to various attractions in South Tyrol.