Local and Crib Museum Zirl

The Local and Crib Museum in Zirl (Heimat- und Krippenmuseum Zirl), only few km far away from Innsbruck, is well-known beyond the borders. Its unique collection of Lent (Easter) and Christmas Cribs includes rare paper cribs, several Lent cribs and pompous Baroque cribs. The documentation of the community history of Zirl can also be seen at the museum. Findings from the time around 1000 BC as well as objects from ancient village chapels and farms are shown.

Part of the exhibition are also the sketches and paintings of Franz Plattner (1826-1887), a church painter, and the nearly destroyed church flags by Franz Seelos which could be restored. Founder of the museum is the former primary school director Benjamin Flöss who started his collecting activities already after WWII. Plans of a museum date back to the Fifties: It was opened in 1977.

In 1977, also "350 years of cribs in Zirl" were celebrated, whereas in 1999, Zirl commemorated 1,200 years of the first authentic mention of the name "Cyreolu" (Zirl). Today the Local and Crib Museum is located on the 1st floor of the old Zirl community hall. A particular experience!