MAMUZ Museum, Mistelbach

How are names today written in runes? Is there a difference in difficulty in the processing of copper, bronze and iron? The MAMUZ is known for its focus on experimental archaeology and interactive presentation. Historical issues are settled through practical experiments, such as the building of a Neolithic longhouse. The high quality of its work is evidenced by the fact that the MAMUZ is also the centre and training facility of the Institute of Prehistory and Historic Archaeology of the University of Vienna. In addition to lectures, students here are given practical knowledge of craftsmanship, material sciences and work processes. The museum’s investigative approach also shows in the interactive character of its exhibition. Equipped with microscopes and timelines, visitors themselves can become researchers in the Researchers’ Laboratory.

The MAMUZ is a fusion of the Lower Austria Museum of Prehistory in Asparn/Zaya and the MZM Museumszentrum Mistelbach adopting "40,000 years of human development" as a joint theme. Original, historical residential, farming and trade buildings are found at the Asparn castle/Zaya. A highlight here is the Realm of Treasure with a hoard from the Wiener Neustadt, which was deposited at its later site under the Habsburg Monarchy in the 14th century. The Museum Mistelbach – housed in what once was a factory for agricultural machines and equipment – presents annually changing exhibitions. The current display, "Giants of the Ice Age", gives insight into the time of mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses and sabre-toothed tigers.