The Swarovski Crystal Worlds Museum showcases a blend of natural beauty, artistic creations, and magicalcharms.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Wattens, Austria, approximately 20 kilometers from Innsbruck, lies a unique destination that blends art, nature, and crystal wonders - The Crystal Worlds of Swarovski.
Founded by Daniel Swarovski in 1895, this museum complex has been a beacon of crystal innovation for over a century. In 1995, it was opened to the public to celebrate the centennial of the Swarovski luxury brand.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the majestic "The Giant," a carved mountain with an underground world called the "Chambers of Wonder." This centrepiece of the museum showcases sixteen immersive rooms where art, light, sound, and Swarovski crystals merge to create magical displays. These chambers, designed by various artists, designers, and architects, interpret crystal in innovative ways, offering a spectacle of creativity.
One of the top highlights is The Crystal Cloud, a spectacular installation made of over 800,000 hand-mounted crystals, floating inside an expansive cloud-like structure. This unique visual experience is located above the Mirror Pool, which offers an optical experience with the light of the crystals reflected in the water.
The museum also features a large outdoor area known as the Garden of the Giant, where imaginative art installations and landscapes designed around the iconic Giant figure creatively incorporate crystals within outdoor nature settings. For the younger visitors, there's a playground and play tower, designed to let kids climb, run, and enjoy an engaging space.
A newer attraction within the site is the carousel ride, adding a playful element to the visit. To relax and enjoy culinary delights with views of the surrounding scenery, guests can dine at the on-site café and restaurant.
The museum intertwines Swarovski's crystal heritage with artistic innovation and interactive spaces, making it a multifaceted experience that appeals to all ages. Notable artists who have designed rooms in the "Chambers of Wonder" include Fernando Romero, Derek McLane, and Manish Arora.
Created by renowned multimedia artist André Heller, the underground "Wonder" is dedicated to the versatile artistic use of crystal, adding another layer of artistic interpretation and engagement for visitors.
The museum offers a free parking lot with an electric vehicle charging point. A shuttle service runs several times a day between Innsbruck and the museum.
With the entrance fee of 23 euros per person, children under five years old enter for free, and those aged 6 to 17 pay 7 euros. The games tower, designed by the architecture studio Snohetta with 160 different crystalline facets, offers rest areas, memory games, and puzzles on the top floor. The facades of the games tower are printed with a pattern of millions of tiny animal motifs.
The museum complex also houses the first optical store of the Swarovski brand and one of the largest Swarovski stores in the world. The landscape garden at the museum hosts various installations, such as the Green Labyrinth, the Natural Chamber of Wonders, and The Carousel.
The Crystal Worlds of Swarovski is more than just a museum; it's a journey through a world of wonder, creativity, and crystal magic. Whether you're an art enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, The Crystal Worlds of Swarovski promises to captivate and inspire.
- The Garden of the Giant, an outdoor area within the museum complex, creatively incorporates home-and-garden elements with imaginative crystal art installations.
- As part of a lifestyle that combines art, nature, and innovation, a visit to The Crystal Worlds of Swarovski provides an immersive travel experience, showcasing unique crystal wonders that redefine contemporary home-and-garden aesthetics.
