DI KARL-HEINZ KRISCH
Curator of the Natural History Museum
naturhistorisches.museum@stiftadmont.at +43 (0) 3613/2312-609
COLLECTIONS
The Natural History Museum was rebuilt between 1866 and 1906 by the 20-year-old Admont Benedictine Father Gabriel Strobl after the devastating abbey fire in 1865. In his scientific work, Strobl built up a huge insect collection with around 252,000 specimens. Solely, the collection of dipterans (flies), numbering more than 50,000 objects, ranks among the significant collections in Europe. By personal collection efforts, exchanges, purchases, and donations, Father Gabriel Strobl acquired the collection holdings during his 44-year tenure, which are now exhibited in the partially redesigned Natural History Museum.
Renovation and redesign
During the renovation and redesign of the museum landscape at Stift Admont, the premises of the Natural History Museum were also renovated and ceremoniously opened on May 2, 2004. At the outset, you enter the world of reptiles and amphibians: a over two-meter-long Mississippi alligator, specimens of dried and preserved snakes, lizards, and turtles. A "cabinet-row" provides information about the historical development of the Natural History Museum.The first side room is dedicated to the scientific and artistic achievements of Father Gabriel Strobl. On the walls, there is an exhibit of various groups of insects.
Insect Collection
The insect collection is of particular significance, especially the collection of dipterans that Father Gabriel Strobl assembled more than 100 years ago. In fact, research into the specimens in this collection is still on-going. Contacts with international institutions are maintained, and recognized experts are dedicated to further research and detailed typifications. Scientific works and newly authored books, especially by Milan Chvála, attest to the value of the impressive collection in the academic community.
"Wax Fruits" by Father Constantin Keller
The second side room presents all 243 exhibits of wax fruit by Father Constantin Keller (1778-1864) in an impressive installation. The room itself takes on the shape of a fruit thanks to a curved display case construction. It houses the artistic unique specimens, which Father Constantin moulded in wax from originals he had grown himself. The wax fruits are of the highest quality and closely resemble their natural counterparts, almost perfectly. Among them are also fruit varieties that have largely disappeared from existing assortments today. Read more about the wax fruit collection by Father Constantin Keller.
PASSION OF RESEARCHERS
A collaborative project between the Gesäuse National Park and Admont Abbey can be experienced in the third side room. The permanent exhibition aims to awaken visitors' emotions for nature, and specifically for the nearby Gesäuse National Park, through the researchers' passion.
The second gallery corridor
The second gallery corridor contains specimens of creatures from the various natural realms that live in the elements "Earth, Air and Water": European butterflies with dried and pressed examples of cryptogams (plants that reproduce by spores) are on view in historical display cases along the right wall and reflect the harmonious coexistence of plants and animals. The third living environment ‒ "Water" ‒ is represented here by a collection of conch shells and preserved fishes.
The so-called "Lion Room" has been preserved in its historical ambiance and earned its name due to a large East African lion specimen acquired by Father Gabriel Strobl from the renowned Africa explorer Emil Holub. Valuable exhibits, primarily of exotic mammals and birds, are housed in the historical display cases.
The South-eastern Pavilion
The conclusion of this "nature walk" is marked by the so-called "Southeast Pavilion" with a magnificent view of the National Park area. This formerly sole room of the Natural History Museum features, in addition to an extensive collection of rocks and minerals, a colorful display of European and local mammals and birds.
With Father Gabriel Strobl (1846-1925), who, as the curator of the Natural History Museum, primarily focused on botany in his first 12 years of work and then dedicated the next 32 years to the field of entomology (insect science), Admont Abbey gained significant importance in scientific research. Monasteries were often places of knowledge and education overall. The Benedictine Abbey of Admont strives to continue this heritage to the best of its ability, aiming to preserve our environment as part of the creation entrusted to our care.
