ÜBER TOURISMUS

( words)

VIENNA

This is the final month (but not your last chance!) to experience the thought-provoking exhibition at the Museum of Architecture in Vienna*, where the intricate world of tourism is examined in depth.

Provocative Imagination: A Beach at the Foot of a Glacier. This picture invites us to envision the unsettling juxtaposition of a beach, typically a symbol of warmth and relaxation, set against the stark, icy backdrop of a glacier. It's a provocative image that challenges our understanding of climate change and its effects, highlighting the surreal and often disturbing ways our world might adapt as natural landscapes are altered.

The title of the exhibition, ÜBER TOURISMUS, is a clever play on words in German, which translates both as "About Tourism" and hints at the concept of "Overtourism". This dual meaning reflects the exhibition's focus on the complex and often problematic nature of modern tourism. On one hand, it invites a comprehensive exploration of tourism ("about tourism"), covering its impacts, challenges, and opportunities. On the other, it subtly critiques the phenomenon of overtourism—the overwhelming influx of visitors that can lead to environmental degradation, strain on local communities, and a loss of authentic cultural experiences. The title encapsulates the exhibition's goal to provoke thought and discussion on how tourism has grown beyond sustainable limits and what can be done to address these challenges.

Over the past months, visitors have explored how tourism, a key component of the Western lifestyle, has shaped our world—bringing prosperity and cultural exchange to distant regions while also contributing to overcrowding, environmental damage, and skyrocketing property prices.

As the exhibition draws to a close, it continues to challenge perceptions, offering a comprehensive look at the relationship between tourism, economic growth, climate change, and urban planning. With vivid illustrations, compelling examples, and insightful data, it encourages visitors to rethink the future of travel in an era marked by global crises and shifting priorities.

Curated by Karoline Mayer and Katharina Ritter, this exhibition is a compelling opportunity to engage with the pressing question: How can we imagine a form of tourism that sustains rather than destroys the environments and communities it touches? Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into these critical issues before the exhibition closes, and explore the accompanying book, "On Tourism," which offers further insights and reflections from leading experts.

This exhibition can be explored at the Architekturzentrum Wien, located at

MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna, Austria. For more details, visit

Vienna offers currently one more tourism related show at the HOFBURG "HAUS DER GESCHICHTE" — a personal collection of photographs of a 1953/54 visit to post-war Austria, spicee-up with corresponding exhibits.

Holidays in Austria. Reinventing a Tourist Destination

What do the memories of a holiday taken 70 years ago tell us about Austria today? How did Austria become a “tourism nation”? When Austria reinvented itself after the end of Nazi rule and the Second World War, the idea of it as a holiday destination played an important role. War-damaged Austria marketed itself abroad as an idyllic location and affordable place to go on holiday. This also shaped how people in Austria saw themselves.

14 March 2024 to 6 January 2025 -- more

*From September 27 to December 13, 2024 (with the opening on Wednesday, September 25, at 6:00 PM), the exhibition will be showcased in Vorchdorf as part of the Salzkammergut European Capital of Culture program. This presentation offers a unique opportunity to explore the critical themes of tourism in a new context, engaging with the local and international audience alike.

St. Pölten

The ZIMMER FREI exhbition offers various interactive stations which invites and inspires old and young alike

At the capital of Lower Austria, the city of St. Pölten has developed a fine museum quarter. Here, "ZIMMER FREI" offers a comprehensive overview of tourism development in Austria, with a particular focus on Lower Austria. The exhibition examines how tourism has evolved in the region, its impact on local communities and economies, and the challenges and opportunities that have arisen. By providing detailed insights into the historical and current trends of tourism, the project aims to deepen understanding and foster discussions about sustainable tourism practices and future development strategies.