The Rupertinum and Its (Hi)Stories
40 Years — Many Voices

The Rupertinum, the Museum der Moderne Salzburg’s original home and now one of its two venues, was turning forty! People from different generations shared personal recollections they associated with the museum and brought its history to life. They recalled special experiences, unforgettable encounters, moving exhibitions, and glimpses behind the scenes. Their contributions illustrated the museum’s significance for the residents of the City and State of Salzburg, for artists, visitors, members of the museum’s team, and participants in its diverse art education programming. The retrospections and anecdotes were complemented by interesting facts, selected works of art, and fascinating archival materials. The exhibition shed light on the museum’s identity and evolution, but it also looked into the future. Gathering a range of perspectives, including critical views, it presented a lively scene where visitors were encouraged to contribute their own memories as well as their wishes for the future.

With the Generali Foundation Study Center—a multifunctional research and discussion space on art from classical modernism to current developments—the Generali Foundation is an important player in the Rupertinum. In 2016, the Study Center was established at the Rupertinum on the initiative of the then director Sabine Breitwieser and according to plans by the architects Kuehn Malvezzi.

The Study Center incorporates the libraries of the Generali Foundation and Museum der Moderne Salzburg, comprising about 50,000 titles as well as archive, text, and media holdings. The Generali Foundation library includes around 17,000 monographs, exhibition catalogues, and international art journals. The center provides an extensive overview of events in the art world since the 1960s, with a particular focus on contemporary art.