Schlossmuseum Linz (Linz Castle)

Schlossmuseum Linz (Linz Castle) Review

The massive four-story building on Tummelplatz was rebuilt by Friedrich III around 1477, literally on top of a castle that dated from 799. Note the Friedrichstor (the Frederick Gate), with the A.E.I.O.U. monogram (some believe it stands for the Latin sentence meaning "All Earth pays tribute to Austria") and two interior courtyards. This is widely known as one of the best provincial museums in the country. The interior of the castle is well worth a visit, with a 17th-century inlaid walnut portal from Schloss Hartheim, historical musical instruments (including Beethoven's Hammerklavier), re-creations of rooms from 19th-century Austrian homes, fine 19th-century portraits, and landscapes by Dutch and Austrian artists, as well as weaponry, coins, and ceramics. An incongruous steel-and-glass southern side with exhibits on nature and technology was added in 2009 to replace a building section that was destroyed by fire in 1800.