Surrounded by impressive mountains, Galtür’s Alpinarium was built as a tribute to the victims of the 1999 Sonnenberg avalanche and as a source of hope and perspective for the people of Galtür. The museum is an exhibition, information and documentation centre all in one.
At the Alpinarium, you can experience with all senses how February 23, 1999 changed Galtür forever. Fascinating exhibitions let you in on the history, the village and the fate of the local people.
The experience museum is surrounded by a 345 metre long and 16 metre high barrier wall. A whopping 700,000 kilograms of steal were used in its construction. An impressive architectural masterpiece protecting the centre and people of Galtür, entwined with nature.
The museum’s inextricable connection to the surrounding nature is also reflected on the inside, with stone, rocks, ice, snow and water at the heart of the exhibition rooms. The entire architecture of the Alpinarium was designed as a barrier wall protecting the village from the forces of nature.
International juries have confirmed that the museum is anything but ordinary. Both in 2007 and 2015, the Alpinarium was nominated for the European Museum Award.
The nomination for the 2017 Micheletti Award was another great honour, although the museum didn’t get the award in the end. However, the Alpinarium did receive a special prize for its unique concept of bringing together man and nature.