Chiusa Municipal Museum

The Chiusa Municipal Museum - "Stadtmuseum Klausen" in German, "Museo Civico di Chiusa" in Italian - harkens back on an animated history. Already in 1914 in the medieval town a museum was founded. In fascism, it was forced to hand over its artistic treasures to the Bolzano Municipal Museum. Finally in 1978 the valuable objects could be returned to Chiusa and could be displayed in the former Capuchin Monastery. The monastery goes back to a foundation by Maria Anna of Spain (1699), on request of Gabriel Pontifeser from Chiusa, her personal father confessor. In 1992, after a long restoration period, the Chiusa Municipal Museum opened its doors to the public. The pieces of art are exhibited in two exhibition spaces in the basement of the building.

In the 1st hall there are paintings of Alexanxer Koester (1864 - 1932), an artist of the Munich School and one of the leading figures of the Artists' Colony of Chiusa. In the 2nd room, the former vestry, you can have a look at other works of the Artists' Colony of Chiusa (1874 - 1920). In fact, Chiusa used to be a popular destination for artists seeking romantic inspiration - among them Franz Defregger and Albin Egger-Lienz as well as local artists such as Hans Piffrader.

Finally, on the 1st floor, there is the absolute highlight for museum visitors: the Loreto Treasure of the 16th and 17th century. This collection comprising primarily Spanish and Italian artworks was donated by Charles II of Spain and Maria Anna of Spain, as well as by noblemen of the Spanish Court. Furthermore, the museum offers five temporary exhibitions per year in the basement as well as a visit to the Baroque Capuchin Church dedicated to St. Felix of Cantalice, which is accessible via a cloister of the 17th century. In 2022, the Chiusa Municipal Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary. And how to reach it? The former Capuchin Monastery is located near the historic town (Fraghes 1). A big parking space as well as a bus stop can be found nearby.