Poacher Museum Molln - Jew's Harp Handicraft

Historical craft traditions and the economic use of regional resources form the focus of the cultural-historical presentation in the Wilderermuseum Molln!

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We are the only museum in Austria to present the history of poaching from the Middle Ages to the present day, supplemented by a presentation of the events of a regional tragedy, the Mollner poaching drama. Numerous exhibits document the relationship between landlordship and subjects, the Lamberg dynasty, the peasants' liberation of 1848 as well as hunting and poaching - complemented by the extensive collection of Prof. Dr. Roland Girtler and the unique exhibits of the Walder family.

Founded as a craft museum with a focus on woodcraft and ironworking, the Wilderer Museum Molln offers not only a focus on poaching but also the unique tradition of jew's harp making in Molln as well as an extensive collection on the subject of woodworking in the old vaults of the economic wing of the former Forsthube Molln of the Steyr demesne - today's Wirt im Dorf inn.

Jew's Harp & Handicraft
There is evidence of jew's harp making in Molln since 1647 - this long tradition of making these forged instruments is unique in Austria. Various types, forms and areas of distribution of these musical instruments are on display, including graphic works on the subject of the Jew's harp from an art school in Yakutia (Siberia).

Rare wood crafts such as the shovel chopper, fork and rake maker, bowl maker and skirt maker as well as wainwright and turner are represented with a variety of devices. All of the craftsmen mentioned made use of the abundant raw material wood in the forests of Molln.

Famous personalities & Molln businesses
Two important poet personalities who have their roots in Molln are also represented in the museum: Marlen Haushofer (1920-1970) and Otto Jungmair (1889-1974). An exhibition area is dedicated to the entertainer Hans Joachim Kulenkampff, who is buried at the Frauenstein pilgrimage church cemetery. A completely different theme is devoted to the emergence of the sports shoe factory and brand "Dachstein", which was founded by the shoemaker Anton Lintner from Molln in 1925. The development of the Piesslinger company from a scythe factory to a specialist in the finishing of aluminium and powder coating is also shown.