Permanent exhibition Liechtenstein NationalMuseum – Liechtensteinisches LandesMuseum

The permanent exhibition at the Liechtenstein NationalMuseum showcases the history, culture and nature of the Principality from the Stone Age to modern industry.

Experience the development of Liechtenstein from the Stone Age to the present day. The permanent exhibition is divided up into six thematic areas, creating an interactive and informative experience.

Using the overarching themes of Archaeology, History & Religion, History from 1700, Everyday life, Workplaces and Nature, the permanent exhibition at the Liechtenstein NationalMuseum showcases the diversity of the Principality. Visitors will also gain detailed insights into the local population, the Princely House and day-to-day life in today’s Liechtenstein. The museum’s teaching and learning team organises public and private guided tours, activities for children and families, as well as age-specific education programmes.

Audio guides, detailed descriptions, sound stations and videos guide you through the permanent exhibition at the National Museum. Interactive children's stations make the visit a fun experience for young explorers.

Archaeology

Archaeological finds show that the territory of the present-day Principality of Liechtenstein was already settled 7000 years ago. Since then it has been shaped and influenced by various cultures. Using everyday topics – food and drink, building and living, clothing and traditional costume, items of daily use, jewellery – and the direct juxtaposition of objects, this area of the exhibition shows visitors how the region and its people have developed over time.

Image from the Archaeology area of the exhibition

Hanseatic bowl

Bronze, originally gold-plated. 12th/13th century AD. The bowl was part of a washing set. The engraved figures in the middle represent angels.

Excavation site: Gutenberg (Balzers)

History (from 1200 to 1700) & religion

The threat of war and changing national rulers meant that in the Middle Ages people longed for protection and security. This area of the permanent exhibition shows how they tried to achieve this – with fortified dwellings and with faith in God.

A special highlight is the Lenten Cloth of Bendern, which originally covered the entire altar area during the 40 days before Easter. Lenten cloths of this kind were very popular between the 15th and 17th centuries, but only a handful have survived – and this is the only one on display in a museum. Measuring 6.3 x 4.7 metres and made of linen, it depicts 24 scenes from the Old and New Testaments, probably painted in 1612 by the artist Johann Georg Clessin from Feldkirch.

Left: Lenten cloth by Johann Georg Clesin. Feldkirch, 1612. From the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Bendern.

Late Gothic winged altar, probably made in Alto Adige, Italy. Oil on wood, around 1500.

Image from the History (from 1200 to 1700) & religion area of the exhibition

Everyday life

In the hard life of peasants, festivals were the highlights of the year. Traditions such as bringing the cows down from the grazing pastures in autumn, together with church celebrations, continue to play an important role in Liechtenstein's social life today. This area of the permanent exhibition also gives an insight into the wide variety of hobbies, clubs and societies in Liechtenstein, which are key to balancing out daily work and promoting a feeling of togetherness within the population.

Image from the Everyday life area of the exhibition. Traditional Liechtenstein clothing

Image from the Everyday life area of the exhibition

History from 1700

Political life in Liechtenstein today is characterised by a finely balanced relationship between the power of the people and the power of the Prince. This area of the exhibition shows how ruling and the exercise of power have developed in the region since the 17th and 18th centuries – from the origins of Liechtenstein and the abolition of the military to today's democracy and diversity of opinion.

Portrait of Prince Franz Josef II of Liechtenstein and Vaduz Castle. Original plaster models for a medal. Created by Salvador Dalí on the occasion of the Prince's 60th birthday in 1966.

View of the Princely Room

Image from the History from 1700 area of the exhibition

Workplaces

In the Alemannic culture, to which Liechtenstein belongs, working is about more than just earning a living. "Schaffen", as it is called here, implies making the most of the opportunities one receives and thus achieving something respectable. Working is a virtue and a duty, which the farmer and craftsman fulfils just as much as the modern service provider. Migration and communication are the main themes. The new IndustryWorld Liechtenstein, created in 2019, presents the country's leading industrial companies and their history.

As well as providing an insight into today's industry by showcasing 13 companies which are members of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Industry and Com-merce, short films with 3D effects in the Industrial Hall highlight the broadly diversified industrial landscape of Liechtenstein. Exhibits include a wide range of high-tech products of various sizes and types, from wafer-thin films to municipal vehicles. A milestone timeline allows visitors to look back on the history and tradition of Liechtenstein's industrial enterprises. Facts and figures provide a compact overview of the development of Liechtenstein as a hub of business and industry.

"IndustryWorld Liechtenstein", the exhibition opened in 2019 showcasing Liechtenstein’s industry. Combining history and modernity, it uses Deep Frame technology to provide a holographic 3D view of the work of various industrial companies in Liechtenstein.

Cobbler's workshop and tools for woodworking

Butter churn. 19th century.

Nature

Much of Liechtenstein’s territory is today used or shaped by humans. This is why it is more important than ever to protect the natural habitats of as many animals and plants as possible – in the Rhine Valley and the Alps all the way up to 2599 metres above sea level.

Image from the Nature area of the exhibition. Animals of Liechtenstein.

View of the Nature area of the exhibition. Butterflies of Liechtenstein.

360* View into the Liechtenstein NationalMuseum.