Mountain Photography Museum opens on the Dolomite Mountains

As locations go, the home of the new LUMEN Museum of Mountain Photography couldn’t be more perfect for it’s subject matter, perched at the summit Mount Kronplatz-Plan de Corones in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains.

With 1,800 square metres, spanning four floors LUMEN offers the possibility to experience the history of mountain photography from its beginnings until the present as well as displaying the art of mountain-photographers from all over the world.

LUMEN shows historic pictures and digital innovations, exciting temporary and special exhibitions as well as spectacular productions. The curated program stands out due to its interdisciplinary character: alpinism, tourism, politics, spirituality and history — the subject mountains is examined from different perspectives.

The ‘Shutter’ is a particularly impressive eye-catcher – it is a huge shutter which can be opened and closed and therefore can be used as a projector screen.

LUMEN is a former mountain station converted by the architect Gerhard Mahlknecht, its functional modern look sit perfectly against the Dolomites. A landscape described by Le Corbusier as ‘most beautiful natural architecture in the world’.

LUMEN rewrites the rules for the presentation of mountain photography. It is shown in the scenography of the exhibition rooms as well as in the concept regarding the contents of the establishment.

Thanks to the support of national and international partners it was possible to create an exciting course offering visitors a new perspective on the ‘old’ topic of mountains. Multi-perspective accesses in combination with a unique scenery — LUMEN makes the topic of mountain photography a holistic experience.

The permanent exhibition Messner meets Messner by Durst is dedicated to the mountain pioneer and ambassador for the protection of the alps, Reinhold Messner. It starts with innovative approaches and state-of-the-art technology for alpine sport in the Adrenaline Room designed in cooperation with Red Bull Illume. The world’s greatest photography contest dedicated to adventure and action sports showcases the most extraordinary and most creative pictures in the shape of multimedia installations.

• Architecture: Gerhard Mahlknecht is responsible for the clean-elegant design of the establishment.
• Exhibition Design: GiòForma and the workgroup with Beat Gugger, Martin Kofler, Richard Piock and Manfred Schweigkofler Manfred for the conception and the szenographic realisation of the exhibition.
• 1,800 square metres of exhibition area: the wide range of mountain photography can be experienced on four floors.
• Culinary of the highest calibre: the restaurant AlpiNN creates culinary highlights — including the astonishing view
• Venue and event space holding up to 200 people
• Opened 20 December 2018

Image credits: ©manuelkottersteger.com / Lumen / © skirama Kronplatz