Only in the course of the industrial revolution did the guilds lose their significance and were abolished during the 19th century.
In the guild museum in Bichlbach in the holiday region Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena, one can learn more about the long history and the tradition of the guilds. The museum, which opened in 2006, is the only museum in Tyrol that deals with the guild system, which does not come by chance: Bichlbach is also home to the only guild church in Austria, the baroque St. Joseph's Church built between 1710 and 1718. From the outside a modestly designed building, it shows inside the skill of the Außerfern masons and stonecutters, plasterers and carpenters in all their glory. The showpiece is the almost completely gilded high altar, a masterpiece of baroque sculpture.
The guild museum is housed in the old Widum, the former parsonage next to the parish church of Bichlbach. In an exciting interplay of historical objects and newly created visual materials, the development of the guilds and the various crafts is illustrated. In this way, the significance of the guild system, which not only regulated training, quality standards and prices, but also provided social services for its members, becomes understandable. In addition, the guild shaped the private lives of its members; for example, only persons who were Roman Catholic and born in wedlock were admitted.
As in many regions of Tyrol, the craftsmen of the Außerfern also had to go on a journey during the summer months to earn their living. Thus, their skills and artistry left traces throughout the entire Eastern Alps; conversely, they brought new ideas, techniques, and fashions back home from their travels.
In addition to (social) history, the guild museum also offers a lot of information about the various crafts themselves, e.g., about the work of gilding, the creation of stucco marble and frescoes, or about the different types of wood used by a carpenter. Besides, the museum regularly features special exhibitions, currently – until March 31, 2011 – for example, 'On the Move – Trade and Change'.
The Bichlbach Guild Museum and the Außerfern Museum Association were awarded the Tyrolean Museum Prize in 2008.
On craftsmanship and guild system
The Bichlbach Guild Museum Tyrol
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