The Styrian Armory (German: Landeszeughaus), in the Austrian city of Graz, is the world’s largest historic armory and attracts visitors from all over the world. It holds approximately 32,000 pieces of weaponry, tools, suits of armor for battles and parades.
The armory is located in Graz’s Inner City, a few steps from Hauptplatz at Herrengasse Nr. 16. The museum is open six days a week, closed Mondays, throughout the year. In November, it can only be visited through guided tours.
Between the 15th century and the 18th century, Styria was on the front line of almost continuous conflict with the Ottoman Empire and with rebels in Hungary. The Styrian Armory results from the need to store large quantities of armor and weapons, and was built from 1642 – 1645 by a Tyrollean architect named Antonio Solar.
After about 100 years in use, Austrian empress Maria Theresa wanted to close it down, as part of her centralization of the defense of Austria. Nevertheless, Styria petitioned for the ongoing existence of the armory for both practical and sentimental reasons. The petition was accepted and the Armory was left intact, but largely decommissioned.
During World War II, the entire contents were moved to safety in three castles in remote parts of Styria, and no losses were recorded. After the end of the war, the objects were brought back into the undamaged original building.
Watch the video of our tour of the Graz Armory below to learn more.
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