Absamer Matschgerer
Absamer Matschgerer

Carnival Museum Absam

The Carnival People of Absam document the history of this special tradition in an own little museum

In the former fire station of Absam, the so-called "Spritzenhaus", the Association of the Absam Matschgerer (Carnival People of Absam) opened a small but mighty museum in the Eighties which is dedicated to these Carnival figures. The traditional figures are divided in groups and have really particular names, e.g. Alter (old man), Bär (bear), Bock (buck), "Klötzler" or "Spiegeltuxer".

Once a tradition only for adult men, Absam has also a group of young Matschgerer since the Eighties. The history of the Matschgerer dates back to the 18th century, back then a common Catholic custom in Switzerland, Germany and large parts of Austria. Already in the 19th century, masked people went from house to house, but only in the 20th century this was modified into a procession. The hustle and bustle always starts on the 18th of January, because on the 17th January 1797 the icon of the Virgin Mother appeared in Absam.

The small museum (Matschgerer-Museum Absam) shows the costumes of the Carnival figures and 200 wooden face masks: The oldest is 200 years old. Also photos and a movie tell the interesting history of the Absam Matschgerer. The procession is held every four years (the next time in 2028).

Contact info

Opening times

  • Tue 12 Nov closed
  • Wed 13 Nov closed
  • Thu 14 Nov closed
  • Fri 15 Nov closed
  • Sat 16 Nov closed
  • Sun 17 Nov 10:00 - 12:00 14:00 - 17:00
  • Mon 18 Nov closed

Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Full timetables
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Autumn 2024 (01/09/2024 - 24/11/2024)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed closed
  • Thu closed
  • Fri closed
  • Sat closed
  • Sun 10:00 - 12:00 14:00 - 17:00

Austrian National Day 2024 (26/10/2024) closed

All Saints 2024 (01/11/2024) closed

Winter closure 2024/25 (25/11/2024 - 19/04/2025)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed closed
  • Thu closed
  • Fri closed
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

Admission

free admission

More information

For groups and school classes accessible also outside the opening hours: appointments for special guided tours by calling +43 660 3144 356 or 5223 57539.

The Carnival Museum Absam is open on Sundays in spring and in autumn, closed in summer (July and August) and in winter (end of November till Easter).

Autumn season start 2024 on the 1st of September, spring season start 2025 in mid-April.

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