Iceman press information

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

The Iceman
Over 5000 years ago, a man climbed up to the icy heights of the Schnalstal glacier and died. He was found by accident in 1991, with his clothes and equipment, mummified and frozen: an archaeological sensation and a unique snapshot of a Copper Age man.
For several years highly specialised research teams examined the mummy and the articles found with it. They have been on exhibit since March 1998 at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.

The Museum
The collection on exhibit at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is structured chronologically and documents the entire history of South Tyrol from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Age (15,000 BC) to the Carolingian period (around 800 AD).
Set off against the wider historical background, the Iceman along with the associated finds form the exhibit's core.
Models, reconstructions, stereoscopic pictures, videos and interactive multimedia stations allow the visitor to gain insight into the ancient past of the southern Alpine region in a way that is, at the same time, highly informative and entertaining. Please notice: During the exhibition period of the special exhibition Ötzi²⁰ - until 13th of january 2013 - the permanent exhibition is not visitable.

Opening hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm (last entry 5.30 pm)
Closed on Mondays
Open on holidays
In July, August and December open daily (also on Mondays)
Closed on 1st January, 1st May, 25th December

Address:
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
Via Museo /Museumstraße 43
I- 39100 Bolzano/Bozen
Tel. +39 0471 320100
Fax +39 0471 320122
e-mail: museum@iceman.it

Press informations:
If you have any questions please contact our public relations office, Katharina Hersel, tel. +39-0471-320114, fax: +39-0471-320122, e-mail: press@iceman.it
For press photos, film permits and footage material please contact Melitta Franceschini, tel. +39-0471-320118, e-mail: photo@iceman.it. You can download also some pictures at www.iceman.it / Press&Media / photo archive

Short information

The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
The South Tyrolean Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano/Bozen, South Tyrol, documents the prehistory and ancient history of South Tyrol. Within the overall historical framework, the Iceman and his accompanying artefacts occupy a central position in the exhibition area. In addition to a section on the Iceman, the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, with an area of 1,200 square meters, presents outstanding finds from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, Roman times, and the time of Charlemagne. Further, it also highlights the southern Alpine region as an important settlement area and crossroad of prehistory and ancient history. It is possible to visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology throughout the whole year, including holidays (except for the 1st of January, the 1st of May, and the 25th of December). Admission: Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. till 5.30 p.m. Closed Mondays, open on holidays. In July, August and December open daily (also on Mondays).

Additional information on the museum can also be found at the museum's homepage: www.iceman.it.

Reminder Oetzi
More than 5,000 years ago, a man ascended the icy heights of the Schnals Valley glacier and died there. In 1991, his mortal remains – together with his clothing and equipment, mummified and frozen – were discovered by accident. This was an archaeological sensation providing a unique glimpse into the life of a man of the Chalcolithic Period who was travelling at high altitudes.

After many years of investigation by highly-specialized research teams, the mummy recovered from the glacier and the accompanying artifacts are now accessible to the public in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. We are fascinated, astonished, but also strangely touched to meet a witness of our own past. The fate of an individual human being deprives the "story" of its anonymity – and it comes alive in our imaginations.

Visitors
Since his opening on 28 march 1998, the museum has been visited by almost 3 million people.

1998: 245.000 
1999: 256.000 
2000: 277.000  
2001: 258.000 
2002: 255.000
2003: 228.000  
2004: 248.074
2005: 226.705  
2006: 225.479 
2007: 221.958
2008: 227.705
2009: 231.040 (11 months open)
2010: 230.000