The Joanneum Universal Museum is considered the biggest of its kind in Central Europe. More than 4½ million items in the collections form the basis of a richly faceted ‘universal’ exhibition and events schedule. A programme of exhibitions and events at ten locations throughout Styria transmit a unique panorama of science, art and culture.

The Joanneum Universal Museum, which attracts annually more than 500,000 visitors, employs around 450 staff in carrying out its various functions.

Nature – alongside technology, history and folk life – was a great passion of the Habsburg archduke, who was extremely popular in Styria because of his extensive efforts to promote the common good. Thus, in accordance with his principal interests, the Joanneum was, initially, first and foremost an educational institution oriented towards natural history and technology.