Styrian Armoury. Short Guide

The period from the 15th to the 18th centuries was a turbulent time for the dukedoms of Styria, Carinthia and Carniola. Known collectively as ‘Inner Austria’, the region was afflicted by continuous armed raids and military conflicts with Hungarian rebels and the Ottoman Empire.

Against this background, between 1642 and 1647 the Styrian estates had the ‘regional armoury’ built according to plans drawn up by Antonio Solar. As an arms depot, it was from then on the most important centre for equipment in the southeast of the Habsburg Empire.

As armed conflicts abated during the 18th century, the armoury became less important. When, as part of a series of reforms, Maria Theresia decided to centralise the armed forces and to close the Graz armoury, the estates asked for it to be preserved as a ‘monument to regional history’. The armoury first opened its doors to the general public in 1882. During the final years of the 19th century it was absorbed into the Joanneum (founded by Archduke Johann) and so finally gained museum status.

Today, the Landeszeughaus is one of the largest and best-preserved historic armouries in the world. Its 32,000 objects bear witness to a period of intense conflict, serving as a memorial to regional history, as a sensitive heritage site and also as a challenging task for restorers and curators.

Editor: Bettina Habsburg-Lothringen,

© Universalmuseum Joanneum  

48 S., Price: 8,90

Styrian Armoury

Herrengasse 16
8010 Graz, Österreich
T +43-316/8017-9810
zeughaus@museum-joanneum.at

 

Opening Hours


Admission only with guided tour:
1  November 2022 to 31 March 2023 Tue-Sun, public holidays

Admission without a guided tour (brochure):
1 April 2023 to 31 October 2023 Tue-Sun, public holidays 10am - 6pm

Guided Tours
Please visit our calendar.
Guided tours on advance notice.
Due to the current Covid regulations, the number of participants is limited.

 

10th April 2023 (

Mo

)
1st May 2023
29th May 2023

17th September 2023
24th/25th December 2023