The Pass museum located in North Tyrol, Austria, is a part of a collection of 5 architectural sculpturesplaced along the road that was once a mule track, that links The Passeiertal Valley and the Otztal Valley. In time, and we are talking about thousands of years, the similarities between the two spaces the road unites have evolved and overcame the natural boundary created by the mountains.
In order to attract tourists and make you stop along your way ,since 2010, sculptures have been placed at several stopping places, challenging you to notice the amazing, wild surroundings, the beauty and culture of the region you are in. The 5 sculpture ensemble wait for you to explore them, two on the Austrian side called Walkway and Smuggler and two on the Italian side of the road : Telescope and Garnets.The Pass museum is located on the highest ground of the pass as a symbol. Created as a massive block of concrete, it is open on both ends and linking visually the two sides it separates.
Its impressive concrete bold form manages to achieve a sensation of floating. Contrary to its solid construction, it manages to create a floating, airy sensation, appearing to be hold on the ground magic. Inside the museum you can find the ‘Ice Cave”, designed as a tribute to the pioneers of the High Alpine Road and their unbelievable achievements.
Homesthetics Conclusion:
We see this design as a natural part of the landscape, managing to merge perfectly into its location and expressing a basic idea behind itself:a tribute.
Architect: Werner Tscholl Architects, Morter, Italy.
Location: North Tyrol, Austria
Description: Cultural / Museum. DATE: 2011.
Photo courtesy to Alexa Rainer