Vorarlberg Provincial Museum, Bregenz (must see)

The Vorarlberg Museum presents the history of the region from early settlement to the present day. The current building opened in 2013. Its exhibitions begin with prehistoric finds and the Roman town of Brigantium, the ancient name for Bregenz. They continue through the Middle Ages, the Habsburg period, and into the 19th and 20th centuries. Special attention is given to the industrial development of the Rhine Valley and the social changes that shaped everyday life.

The exterior is one of the museum’s best-known features. The façade carries 16,656 concrete casts made from the bottoms of PET bottles. This idea was developed by architect Andreas Cukrowicz together with artist Manfred Alois Mayr. The modern concrete tower stands beside the historic Landhaus, combining old and new architecture. On the fourth floor, a large panorama window frames a view of the port and Lake Constance.

Inside, the permanent collection includes archaeological objects, church art, traditional clothing, and items from rural and urban life. Medieval wooden sculptures and painted panels show the work of local workshops. The museum also holds important works by Angelika Kauffmann, an 18th century painter with strong ties to the region. Temporary exhibitions focus on photography, modern art, and social themes, linking history with the present.

Clear texts, short films, and interactive stations make the exhibitions easy to follow, even for visitors without a strong background in history. Touchscreens show documents, maps, and photographs, while audio and video explain key events in clear language. Seating areas allow visitors to pause. On the upper floors, large windows, including the panorama window on the fourth level, face the port and Lake Constance, connecting the exhibitions with the region’s landscape and trade history.