Augustinean Museum Rattenberg

Kuppelfresko in der Klosterkirche, Joh. Josef Waldmann, 1709-11

Grabstein Johann Kummersbrucker, E. 14. Jh. | Hl. Leonhard, Mitte 15. Jh., Holz | Gotischer Kreuzgang

Memorialschild Johann Kummersbrucker, A. 16. Jh., Holz

The former Augustinian monastery was founded in 1384 by Johann Kummersbrucker and constructed in the following years by itinerant Bavarian journeymen.

In the centuries that followed, the monastery experienced alternate rises and falls in its fortunes. One of the early peaks in its success came in the 15th century under Prior Spiess, who was particularly responsible for consolidating the monastery’s finances. There then followed a bleak period of religious wars in the 16th century which was also paralleled by the economic and moral decline of the Rattenberg monastery. The upturn came with Prior Wilhelm Durchholzer in the 18th century. Under him, more extensive building projects were tackled as the monastery complex was renovated in the baroque style. At the end of the 18th century, the reform of the monasteries under emperor Joseph II also led to severe restrictions in the activities of the Augustian Hermit Monastery in Rattenberg, and almost caused its dissolution. In 1817, the Servite Order took over the monastery and held it until it was finally dissolved in 1970.

Between the years 1989 and 1993, the nucleus of the monastery was rebuilt as a museum. It has established an identity as a regional museum with a strong religious emphasis. The majority of its exhibits come from the parishes of the Tyrolean lowlands. The main collections are of Gothic sculptures, gold- and silverware and religious folk art. There are regular special exhibitions and concerts in the Gothic cloister.