Swarovski Crystal World, Wattens, Austria

Описание: In 1895, Daniel Swarovski started a glass cutting business having three years earlier invented an electric cutting machine that facilitated the production of lead crystal glass jewellery. It had been a family business as his father had also run a glass cutting workshop. One hundred years later, multimedia artist Andre Heller was commissioned to design a museum to celebrate the centenery of the company. The museum is located next to the Swarovski factory in Wattens.

I was staying at the Natterer See campsite which is a short bus ride into Innsbruck. From Innsbruck there are buses to Swarovski Crystal World every two hours or so - and even if there is a long wait there is so much to see walking around Innsbruck that one will not notice the time. Alternatively one can drive to Wattens and there is plenty of space to park there - even for the largest of vehicles!

The museum starts at the mounth of the 'giant' - a waterfall rushing from the mouth of a head formed into the hillside. The museum is open year-round, and features a cafe as well as a park space surrounding the building.

Part of it is the Chambers of Wonder where artists, designers, and architects have interpreted crystal in their own ways. 16 show rooms were created, each of which has a different thematic focus.

As I am not 'arty' unfortunately most of it went right over my head except for the Alpine garden although it may be appreciated by those that can understand such things!