Large exhibition in Eggenberg Castle: A look at imperial splendor!

Large exhibition in Eggenberg Castle: A look at imperial splendor!

Grazer Schloss Eggenberg, Österreich - On April 26, 2025, the Graz Schloss Eggenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage and Baroque geriac, became the stage for the exciting exhibition "Ambition & Illusion". This will be seen by November 2, 2025 and addresses the staging of an expired Styrian nobility house and its significant achievements. Former Governor Christopher Drexler (ÖVP) is responsible for the opening, which will also be present for Cultural State Councilor Karlheinz Kornhäusl (ÖVP) and Council of Transport Councilor Claudia Holzer (FPÖ).

The exhibition not only offers insights into the splendid and private rooms of the prince's family, but also in rarely accessible areas such as the palace chapel and the sacristy. It is supplemented by four mobile pavilions, which have already been presented in Vienna, Mariazell, Leoben and Ljubljana. Numerous written sources are reworked and supplemented by the exhibits, with the focus on the male and female members of the Eggenberg family.

insights into history

Special attention is paid to the role of women and the care work within the family. An example of this is Eleonore von Eggenberg, who brings nurse to Eleisabethinen women to Graz. A coin cabinet will also address how the economic rise and the subsequent collapse of the Eggenberg house went. Balthasar von Eggenberg is used to highlight finance and illustrated how wealth can develop in architecture.

The Eggenberg Castle stands for the characteristics of the baroque architecture, which culminated in the 18th century. The term "baroque" comes from the Portuguese word "Barocco", which means something like irregularly shaped pearl. The era is characterized by lush splendor and a striving for wealth in architecture, painting and sculpture. The most influential architects of this time include characters such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini, who built important sacred buildings and palaces.

special exhibits and digital solutions

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the exhibition of a golden carriage from the Czech Republic and a digital animation of Graz in the 17th century, which is shown in the archaeology museum of the castle park. This animation is based on copper engravings by Andreas Trost from 1695 and offers visitors a fascinating insight into the past splendor of the city.

A special special show can be seen until the beginning of November 2026 and will then be permanently found in the Graz Museum. The opening of the music pavilion, the work of Erwin Wurm, Hubert Schmalix and Klaus Lang, took place after the death of Hubert Schmalix and thus sets another emotional accent in the presentation.

Overall, the exhibition "Ambition & Illusion" will not only represent the art and culture of the baroque of Austria, but also illuminate the social and economic structures of the time that led to the impressive buildings and works of art of this era.

For more information, please visit the articles from vienna.at and archzine.net .