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  

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