10 Science Museums in Styria That You Shouldn't Miss

Reviewed By CarolDM1900 - Montpelier, United States

I wish we'd stopped here before heading to the Schlossberg. We'd have understood more about the fraught history of that place. We did learn a lot afterwards, however, by wandering through this splendid museum. There is something here for everyone, from the casual visitor seeking "impressions" to the serious history buff demanding "knowledge." The exhibitions were thoughtfully done to create interesting pathways to understanding about the complex past of this fine old city. The artifacts on display are diverse -- everything from a very detailed model of the fortress as it appeared before 1809 when Napoleon ordered its destruction, to the great variety of homely objects giving good insights into everyday life, to the very well-developed thematic presentations on sometimes controversial topics, with material objects that breathe life into them. As one example of the latter, we were fascinated by the grotesque "mask of shame" that illustrated one of the unsavory aspects of the theme "crime and punishment." As the interpretive sign explained, this crude metal face mask enforced social norms through public humiliation. "Defamatory offenses," like slander, were punished in this way. And there were worse punishments, all of them richly detailed here. I found it laudable that the museum treated so many controversial subjects in an objective, unvarnished, self-critical way, dealing with things as unsettling as anti-semitism, misogyny, religious intolerance, and political and economic oppression. How refreshing for a city museum to reveal the faults as well as the merits of the culture and society that it explains and interprets for both visitors and residents. I also liked the comparative approach aimed at showing how and why Graz evolved in ways different from places like, say, Salzburg. This greatly enhanced understanding by putting the Graz into context with others places undergoing their own social, economic and political development, and in so doing it broadened perspectives beyond a single city. When I left here, I felt intellectually enriched. The main exhibition is organized into 12 "blocks," each chronologically identified as representing a period of years. There are treasures all about: wonderful old paintings and engravings that show what life was like hundreds of years ago in Graz's main square, with the great fortress looming above; and unique objects, including a massive ceremonial sword from the early middle ages, adorned with 14 silver buckles wrapped around blue velvet covering the hilt and the sheath, its blade engraved with the names of all the city administers. The "magisterial sword" was handed down to Graz's leaders, first the judges and then the mayors once that office was introduced. I say "handed down," but it's beyond me how any single person could have lifted such an object, which is also way longer than I am tall. This official symbol of jurisdiction, going back to the early middle ages, is simply spectacular. Bottom line: There is much to see at this museum, and one could easily spend several hours here. If your time or your interest is more limited, it is still worth your while to come here, to take from the experience what is valuable to you personally. I don't think you will be disappointed, and I know you will be better prepared to get the most out of your visit to Graz. Highly Recommended.