Museum im Ballhaus

The Museum im Ballhaus sits in the heart of Imst, a town in Tirol. Its building dates from the 16th century and was first recorded in 1530. The structure was restored as closely as possible to its original state and reopened in 2003. Originally it stored bales of cloth, which gave the museum its name. The town’s history and culture are documented inside these old walls. The museum’s displays cover periods from the Urnfield culture to medieval guilds and modern art. Among its treasures is the Ursuline Nativity scene of 1790. This dressed crib contains 237 figures wearing richly embroidered garments. Its painted backdrop stretches more than five metres, making it the largest nativity scene in Tirol. Visitors find rooms arranged to show each period clearly. The Ursuline crib occupies a special room where its figures and costumes can be seen in detail. The building itself, with its historic beams and stonework, adds to the sense of stepping back in time. Outside, the town of Imst offers cafés and shops within walking distance.