Despite its rural character, the Bregenzerwald harbors a remarkable wealth of cultural treasures. The inhabitants of the Bregenzerwald can rightly refer to their traditional origins, which create a strong bond between them. Culture embodies the art of storytelling and the glue that strengthens communities. In the sectors of music, art and museums, the Bregenzerwald shows an impressive variety.
The Schubertiade in Schwarzenberg is regarded as the world’s leading Schubert festival. Leaning back and enjoying the sounds of Schubert and his contemporaries amidst the natural scenery is a very special feeling that should not be missed. Around 40 events are on the program. During the Schubertiade, various artists present their works in the exhibition rooms in the town center. Restaurants and cafés are also extending their opening hours. In addition, the Schubertiade buses from various locations offer convenient travel options to the concerts in Schwarzenberg.
From 2022 to 2024, the Angelika Kauffmann Museum in the Bregenzerwald will be dedicated to the reception, exhibition and collection history of the eponymous artist. Well-known paintings are shown in new contexts, while rarely shown works are brought to light from the depots. The second part of this trilogy explores exhibiting as a social event in the 18th century that shaped Angelika Kauffmann’s career and laid the foundation for the modern art world. History, forms of presentation and viewing habits are illuminated using original works, historical exhibition photos and archive material. Guests of the region can enjoy this cultural highlight during their stay in the apartments in the Bregenzerwald.
Located in the Bregenzerwald, the Austrian Women’s Museum is not only unique in the world, but also the only one of its kind in a rural region.
Changing exhibitions deal with topics of culture, social history, art and architecture in the context of women. The museum has been honored with several awards, including the 2017 Austrian Museum Prize and a special recognition from the 2021 European Museum of the Year Award.
Franz Michael Felder, an important historical figure of the Bregenzerwald, simultaneously embodied the roles of farmer, writer and social reformer.
The museum presents the life of this outstanding historical personality of the Bregenzerwald in an impressive way. Franz Michael Felder (1839 to 1869) led the life of a farmer, writer and social reformer. The museum is housed on the upper floor of the cultural and commercial building in the center of the village. With the help of an oversized illuminated wall, insights into the life and work of Franz Michael Felder are conveyed through quotations, images and texts. Central elements of the exhibition design are audio stations as well as light and sound effects.
In the summer of 2013, the Werkraum Haus was opened in the center of Andelsbuch, designed by the renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. It was built by member companies of the Werkraum, which have worked with Peter Zumthor for many years. The innovative design is based on two main principles. On the one hand, the hall-like building functions as a meeting place, on the other hand as an impressive showcase – a showcase for the handicraft culture in the Bregenzerwald. This is reflected in a far-reaching wooden roof and a glass facade. The border between inside and outside disappears, the landscape flows seamlessly through the house. Alternating presentations of products from the workshops of the member companies as well as themed exhibitions on handicraft and building culture are presented in the Werkraum Haus.