Gherdëina Museum

About Gherdëina Museum

Lively insight into the culture and nature of the Val Gardena

The history of the Gardena Valley (Gherdeina or Gröden Valley) is on display. The archeological collection from prehistory and early human history, which has recently been newly displayed, presents unique finds from the Alps, such as the Iron Age archeological complex from Col de Flam. The museum also has extraordinary collections in the areas of natural history and mineralogy. Especially worthy of mention is the most comprehensive fossil collection in the Dolomites with the spectacular find of the Seceda ichthyosaurus. In addition, there is an herbarium, a butterfly collection, and stuffed local animals. A sculpture collection that includes precious sacred sculptures and numerous oil paintings document the artistic creations of the valley from the 17th through 20th centuries. Additional highlights are the only completely preserved Lenten veil in South Tyrol, a presentation of 300 years of the art of wood sculpture in the valley with a comprehensive collection of wooden toys, and a tribute to Luis Trenker, the famed actor and director of films with mountain settings. The memorial collection dedicated to him that has been in existence since 1990 was expanded in March 2004 by the complete artistic legacy, the 'Luis Trenker Central Archives': in addition to objects from his personal possession, documents of his artistic creation are presented.