South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, located in the historic centre of Bolzano, houses one of the most famous mummies in the world: Ötzi the Iceman, also known as the Similaun mummy. The museum is a must‑see for anyone visiting South Tyrol and is particularly appreciated by families, schools and archaeology enthusiasts.
Ötzi, the Iceman
In 1991, two German hikers accidentally discovered the remains of a man who had lived more than 5,300 years ago. The mummy was found at 3,210 metres in the Ötztal Alps, near Mount Similaun, on the Italian side just a few metres from the Austrian border. Thanks to the ice, Ötzi has been preserved exceptionally well, becoming one of the most important archaeological finds in the world.
Since 1998, Ötzi and his original equipment have been on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, which dedicates three floors of the building to him. The mummy is kept in a refrigerated cell visible through a small window, allowing visitors to observe it safely.
The permanent exhibition
The permanent exhibition, spread over three floors, explores:
- daily life during the Copper Age
- the prehistoric Alpine environment
- scientific analyses carried out on the mummy
- his unique, fully preserved equipment
- the media impact of the discovery
The exhibition includes videos, explanatory panels, reconstructions and photographs, making the visit engaging and accessible to all.
Finds from South Tyrol: from the Paleolithic to the Early Middle Ages
In addition to Ötzi, the museum displays archaeological finds from across South Tyrol, covering a time span from the Paleolithic to the Early Middle Ages. It is one of the most important archaeological collections in the region.
Temporary exhibitions and travelling exhibition
Every year, the museum hosts a temporary exhibition dedicated to archaeological or scientific themes. An international travelling exhibition about Ötzi and his equipment is also presented in various cities around the world, helping to spread knowledge about the mummy.
A family‑friendly museum
The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is part of the South Tyrolean Provincial Museums network and offers numerous family services:
- guided family tours every Saturday and Sunday
- a supervised family area included in the ticket
- baby‑changing facilities and emergency nappies
- educational activities for children and teenagers
- the official Ötzi App, with interactive content and educational games
It is an ideal destination for a cultural visit with children and young people.
Opening hours
Tue – Sun: 10:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30)
Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
Closed:
1 January
1 May
25 December
24 and 31 December: closes at 15:00 (last admission 14:30)
In July and August, the museum is also open on Mondays.
Prices
Adults: €13.00
Children under 6: free
Reduced admission (pupils, students and apprentices under 27, seniors 65+, people with disabilities, groups of 20+): €10.00
Family ticket (2 adults + children under 16): €26.00
Mini family ticket (1 adult + children under 16): €13.00
School classes per person: €3.00
