The prestigious Eccel-Kreuzer Museum in Bolzano, one of South Tyrol's most significant art venues, has officially reopened to the public following an extensive two-year restoration project. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of over 1,500 artworks that were generously donated to the Province of South Tyrol by the late Josef Kreuzer, a prominent Bolzano judge, entrepreneur, and art patron, along with his wife Eva Maria Eccel.
The remarkable collection represents five decades of passionate art acquisition by the Kreuzer-Eccel family. In 2017, shortly before his death, Josef Kreuzer made the historic decision to gift his entire comprehensive art collection and a traditional arcade house in Bolzano to the regional government. This generous donation ensures that the cultural treasures will remain accessible to future generations.
Province Councilor Christian Bianchi and Heritage Conservation Department Director Karin Dalle Torre proudly presented the newly renovated museum spaces to the media and public. "This is a beautiful story that should be told especially from a human perspective," emphasized Christian Bianchi during the press conference. He highlighted the personal dedication and vision that made this cultural institution possible.
The impressive collection spans over a century of artistic creation, featuring works from more than 300 artists from the Euregio region encompassing Tyrol, South Tyrol, and Trentino, with pieces dating from 1900 to the present day. Among the collection's most celebrated highlights are masterpieces by renowned artists Hans Ebensperger, Karl Plattner, and Peter Fellin, with whom the Eccel and Kreuzer families maintained close personal friendships for many years.
The museum's origins trace back to the 1950s when Friedrich Eccel and his wife Hilde Eccel Tapfer began collecting contemporary art. Their daughter Eva Eccel studied art history and became a respected art critic, continuing the family tradition. Together with her husband Josef Kreuzer, she significantly expanded the collection's scope and depth. Following their separation, Josef Kreuzer continued building the collection under the inspiring motto "From Ala to Kufstein," creating what is now recognized as a comprehensive documentation of modern painting from the regions of Tyrol, South Tyrol, and Trentino.
The extensive restoration project, which commenced in June 2024, required an investment of three million euros. The comprehensive renovation included complete roof restoration, meticulous restoration of historic doors and windows, and comprehensive updates to electrical systems and fire safety installations. "The artworks have now all been relocated back to the museum and are waiting to be viewed by visitors," confirmed Karin Dalla Torre.
While final restoration work continues on certain elements, including a historic fresco, the collection will soon be fully accessible to art enthusiasts and scholars. "It was Josef Kreuzer's greatest wish to make his artworks and his passion for art accessible to the public," explained Councilor Bianchi, emphasizing the philanthropic vision behind this cultural gift.
The museum operates exclusively through advance reservations and guided tours to ensure proper conservation of the artworks and provide visitors with comprehensive educational experiences. Detailed information about scheduling visits and tour arrangements is available on the museum's official website at https://www.eccel-kreuzer.it. This carefully managed access system helps preserve the collection while making this remarkable cultural treasure available to art lovers and researchers from around the world.
