Exhibition
KulturEXPO 2024 at St. Florian Abbey is an extraordinary and in-depth exploration of the life and work of Anton Bruckner. The exhibition impressively focuses on Bruckner’s time as a choirboy, teacher and monastery organist as well as his later activities as a composer. A central element of the exhibition is the presentation of documents and contemporary witnesses from the abbey’s archive, which have not previously been accessible to the public. These are now brought to life with multimedia elements such as audio stations and a documentary film, impressively conveying the various phases of the composer’s life. An outstanding experience awaits visitors in the inner courtyard: the monumental Anton Bruckner pavilions offer a unique opportunity to see and hear Bruckner’s dreams and visions in exciting multimedia presentations.
The design of the exhibition is particularly fascinating. Visitors are guided through various rooms in the abbey, starting with the staircase on the second floor, which is accompanied by a sound installation. The main colors pink and dark blue, which go back to the wall painting in the Landeshauptmannzimmer of the monastery, create a harmonious and at the same time concentrated atmosphere. The exhibition is carefully staged, with objects and writings presented on tables and in display cabinets and enhanced by graphics and videos. Another highlight of the exhibition is the reconstruction of Anton Bruckner’s apartment in Vienna, which has been recreated in the imperial rooms of the monastery. These memorial rooms provide an insight into the composer’s private life and personality. The exhibition ends with a visit to the crypt, where Bruckner’s meticulous planning of the process after his death is discussed and there is the opportunity to see the coffin that still exists today. The minimalist and minimalist furniture fits harmoniously into the baroque architecture of the monastery and supports the intensive examination of Bruckner’s life and work.
