Theatre of Life
Schloss Eggenberg, Universalmuseum Joanneum, Graz (AT), 2025
UNESCO World Heritage Site Schloss Eggenberg appears to be a setting of power and wealth. But behind the gleaming façade lies a story of illusion and faded glory.
A theatrical concept
For the 400th anniversary, we developed the concept Theatre of Life. The castle becomes a stage, historical figures take on the roles of actors, with each their own part to play, and at the heart of each story lies a single emotional event from their life. Thanks to research by the museum team, we can also shed light on what happened behind the scenes. Visitors will not only meet the Eggenberg family, but also the people who worked at court: from ladies-in-waiting and tailors to cooks and stable boys.
A family drama in three acts
We based the story on the architecture of the castle, that consists of three distinct parts. This structure served as the inspiration for a narrative in three acts, portraying the rise and fall of the Eggenberg family. The oldest rooms set the stage for the first act, capturing the dreams and ambitions of the first Prince of Eggenberg. In the second act, unfolding in the men's wing, the focus shifts to intrigue, rivalry, and brotherhood among male family members and courtiers. The third act, set in the women's wing, centres on the women at court, culminating in a tragic finale: the last princess.
Theatrical dream installations
In each room, we created theatrical dream installations that bring court and family members to life. Ladder installations, for instance, tell the stories of three courtiers competing to ascend the ranks. Projected nightmares above a giant bed convey the empress’s pressure to give birth to an heir. The walls transform into a vivid travel journal of two Eggenberg princes on their arduous path to adulthood. And in the final room, the portrait of the last princess awaits, surrounded by a wild garden installation. Without descendants: the curtain has fallen.
“It is very good that we reflect on the socially relevant issues of our time in the mirror of the past”
Hannes Schwarz, Club Chairman SPÖ Styria, LeadersNet — 22 October 2024
Objects and music tell the story
Objects from various collections come together here, in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, to make the story of Eggenberg tangible. The golden carriage recalls the family’s days of glory. Portraits place visitors face to face with the leading figures of the past. Personal documents, such as diaries, offer an intimate glimpse into their lives. And throughout the rooms, music specially composed for this exhibition can be heard. For the first time in four centuries, Schloss Eggenberg once again becomes a Theatre of Life.
Photos by Jeroen Luttikhuis, OPERA Amsterdam
"It's not just an exhibition about the time or about the castle, but an exhibition with the castle."
Paul Schuster, Director Schloss Eggenberg, LeadersNet — 22 October 2024
Credits
Client
Universalmuseum JoanneumContent Design
Studio LouterSpatial Design & Graphic Design
OPERA AmsterdamAudio
ĀRT HOUSEFilm Production
Shosho