Silent Night Museum

in Hallein

Discover the story behind “Silent Night! Holy Night!”

In the heart of Hallein’s historic town center, lies a place with a very special musical history: the Silent Night Museum Hallein. Located in the former home of Franz Xaver Gruber, the museum introduces you to the life and work of the famous composer of “Silent Night! Holy Night!” and tells the story of how this world-famous Christmas carol came to be and spread around the globe.

Awaiting you at the Silent Night Museum Hallein…

A house filled with music history

The barrier-free musuem is located in the former choirmaster’s residence, directly opposite Hallein Parish Church. Franz Xaver Gruber lived and worked here for 28 years. Today, original furniture, documents, manuscripts and personal belongings offer fascinating insights into the everyday life of the composer and his family.

One of the museums’s absolute highlights is the Joseph Mohr’s guitar, the instrument used to accompany “Silent Night! Holy Night!” when the song was first performed in 1818.

The story of a world-famous Christmas carol

How did the words and melody of “Silent Night! Holy Night!” come about? And how did the Christmas carol eventually become famous around the world? At the museum, you can learn more about Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr as well as the origins and remarkable joruney of the song.

Among the museum’s most important historical documenbts is Gruber’s “Authentische Veranlassung”. In this document, written in the year 1854, Gruber records in his own words how the carol was created.

Directly in front of the museum, you will also find the grave of Franz Xaver Gruber. He died in Hallein in 1863 and was laid to rest between his former home and Hallein Parish church, where he worked for nearly 3 decades.

Fun discoveries for the whole family

There is plenty to discover for younger visitors too. In the family area, children can get to know Franz Xaver Gruber and his family in a playful and interactive way. Board games, puzzles, a treasure hunt and other hands-on activities make the museum experience varied and entertaining for the whole family.

Tips from Cleverix

Every year on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m., a commemorative ceremony takes place at Franz Xaver Gruber’s grave. The celebration concludes with “Silent Night! Holy Night!”, sung in its original version by the Halleiner Liedertafel choir.
Combine your museum visit with a stroll through Hallein’s historic town center. There is plenty more to discover along the way!
The museum offers a varied program of events and cultural activities throughout the year for families, children, seniors, school groups and anyone interested in the story of “Silent Night! Holy Nigh!”.

Contact

Silent Night Museum Hallein
Gruberplatz 1
5400 Hallein
+43 6245 80783-30
stillenachtmuseum@hallein.gv.at
https://www.salzburgmuseum.at/haeuser/stille-nacht-museum-hallein/

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