Alpinarium in Galtür

Alpinarium Galtür, Tyrol – protective wall, meeting and research

The events of 1999 in Galtür helped to focus even more attention on people’s attempts to secure their existence in a high-altitude alpine environment. This human climate and the way in which tourism has developed around Nature as a result exerts a strong hold over many locals and visitors. The Alpinarium, which opened in Spring 2003, forms a memorial as well as an exhibition and meeting facility, with the aim of exploring the extremely varied aspects of the delicate interaction between Man and Nature in some depth. In future, visitors will be able to view exhibitions on a general “Man and Mountain” theme, there will be a records office for life and business in an alpine environment, as well as gradually developing the necessary space for exchanging ideas.

Galtür’s mayor, Anton Mattle, explains: “Galtür is demonstrating loyalty to its 800-year history with the Alpinarium – it is a village with an individual character that always is and has been open to new ideas and concepts. Our village is unique, however that is also why it’s typical of mountain villages across the world that have retained all their character and individuality. The actual Alpinarium is more than just the exhibitions inside, it is the beautiful high alpine world above Galtür.” In 2005, the Alpinarium will also be one of the home centres for the Tyrolean regional exhibition with the title “The Future of Nature”.

The wall. It is 135 metres long and up to 19 metres high. Work began on the protective wall in Galtür in the same year as the devastating avalanche winter – in Summer 1999. Now, five years later, the side facing the village is complete. Organisations such as the fire brigade and mountain rescue are located here.

Times and rates are displayed outside, and on the weekly schedule for the Galtür Alpinarium

Planning and construction of Galtür Alpinarium
Start of construction: Spring 1999
Completion: Spring 2003

Architect Dipl. Ing. Fritz Falch, Landeck
Interior design Sollberger-Bögli, Biel CH
Exhibition design Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten, Zurich
and scenography Eva Afuhs

Further information is available from

Alpinarium Dokumentation GmbH, Hauptstraße 29c
A- 6563 Galtür/ Tyrol, T (05443) 20000, F (05443) 20000-20
www.alpinarium.at
info@alpinarium.at