Poacher Museum Molln - Jew's harp & crafts

As the only museum in Austria, we present the history of poaching from the Middle Ages to today, complemented by the presentation of the events of a regional tragedy - the Molln poacher drama. Through numerous exhibits, the relationship between landownership and subjects, the noble family of Lamberg, the peasant emancipation of 1848, as well as hunting and poaching are documented - supplemented 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 woodworking and iron processing, the Poacher Museum Molln in the old vaults of the economic section of the former forestry hub Molln of the Steyr landownership – now the inn Wirt in the village – offers, alongside its focus on poaching, the unique tradition of mouth harp production in Molln as well as an extensive collection on the topic of wood processing.

Mouth Harp & Craftsmanship
Since 1647, the production of the mouth harp can be traced in Molln – this long tradition of producing these forged instruments is unique in Austria. Various types, forms, and distribution areas of these musical instruments are shown, including graphic works on the topic of mouth harps from an art school in Yakutia (Siberia).

Rare wood crafts such as shovel hackers, fork and rake makers, bowl and rocking chair makers, as well as wagon and lathe craftsmen are represented with a variety of tools. All mentioned craftsmen utilized the wood raw material, abundantly found in the Molln forests.

Famous Personalities & Molln Businesses
Two significant 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 cemetery of the pilgrimage church Frauenstein. A completely different topic is dedicated to the establishment of the sports shoe factory and brand "Dachstein," founded by the Molln shoemaker Anton Lintner in 1925. The development of the company Piesslinger from a scythe factory to a specialist for the refinement of aluminum and powder coating is also shown.

Notice for the special exhibition 2027: 230 years of target shields of the Molln shooting association & intangible cultural heritage in the Poacher Museum

Sat., April 10, 2027, 2.00 p.m. – Opening ceremony for the special exhibition “230 Years of Target Shields of the Molln Shooting Club & Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Wilderer Museum”