Enjoying the Culture 191maps, antique mountain climbing equipment and models
of mountain refuges.
The Tyrolean Imperial Militia Museum has displays on
regiments from World War I and the legendary regiments
that guarded the old mountain borders of Tyrol. The
Kaiserjägermuseum Bergisel (Military Museum) and Andreas
Hofer Gallery pay homage to the heroes of the 1809 Battle
of Bergisel against Napoleon’s troops.
Visiting the Hofkirche
The Hofkirche (Court Church) contains the memorial tomb of
Maximilian I (he is actually buried in Wiener Neustadt, south of
Vienna). The marble sides of the sarcophagus are carved with
scenes highlighting his reign. Surrounding the tomb are 28 larger-
than-life figures (26 of them cast in bronze, the rest in copper)
representing his ancestors and relatives by bloodline or marriage,
and admired heroes. One of the best statues is of King Arthur by
Albrecht Dürer. The church also contains the tomb and memorial
of the Tyrolean hero Andreas Hofer (1767–1810).The world-famous Swarovski crystal company is
headquartered in nearby Wattens. Crystal Worlds, built to
celebrate the firm’s 100th anniversary, has some unique
displays—a crystal dome, a wall made of 12 tons of crystal
and a simulated crystal rain shower. While in Innsbruck, you
can also visit the Bell Museum. The Grassmayr family has been
making bells for 14 generations. At the museum, you can see
bells of all sizes being modelled and cast, and finally, rung.
Linz
In Linz, visit the Nordico City Museum, Francisco Carolinum
Provincial Museum, ‘Linz-Genesis’ Museum in the Old City
Hall building, Adalbert Stifter House and Linz New Gallery, an
art hall opened in 1947. Every autumn, the Ars Electronica
Centre, a museum of the future, stages a festival of art
and technology.