Women´s Museum

How have women lived, thought, and fought across the centuries? What have they changed — and how have they shaped the world? For those seeking answers in Merano, the Women’s Museum offers a rare and powerful perspective. One of the few museums in Europe devoted entirely to women’s history, it invites visitors to explore the stories, struggles, and achievements of women across time.
Since 1988, the museum has been housed in the former Poor Clares convent in the heart of Merano’s old town – a fitting setting for a space that encourages visitors to leave behind conventional perspectives and rediscover history from a different point of view. Spread across several floors, the exhibition presents a compelling panorama: from Victorian corsets to miniskirts, from quiet heroines to revolutionary pioneers. Fashion plays a particularly meaningful role. For generations, women’s clothing has been more than a matter of style – it has reflected freedom and restriction, social standing and new beginnings. Among historic dresses and accessories, figures such as Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”), Marie Curie, and Rosa Parks shed light on how women have dared to break boundaries.
Exciting Insights:
- The oldest piece on display is a true highlight: an 18th-century lace shawl – handmade and as exquisite as a treasure.
- In addition to the permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions that explore contemporary issues such as gender, feminism, and body image.
- Since 2006, the museum has been run by a nonprofit organization made up entirely of women working on a voluntary basis.
But the Women’s Museum is more than a place of reflection – it is a vibrant forum. Readings, panel discussions, workshops, and cultural initiatives turn it into a hub for anyone engaged with questions of equality, diversity, and social transformation. What makes it especially compelling is its dual focus: international in outlook, yet deeply rooted in the local context. In this way, the Women’s Museum builds bridges – between past and present, between global movements and personal stories. A visit opens doors: to forgotten lives, to fresh perspectives, and perhaps even to a new understanding of oneself.

We suggest using public transportation. From the train station, the most convenient option is to board one of the city lines (1 or 4) to reach the "Merano, piazza Teatro"-stop, followed by a brief 5-minute walk to the Women´s Museum.

You can easily reach the Women's Museum by bike from the via Mainardo, where you will also find bicycle parking spaces.

Take care not to park bicycles and e-scooters carelessly. They can pose a danger to blind and visually impaired people as they create obstacles to safely walking along paths and finding entrances. People in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs can also be hindered by carelessly parked bicycles. Please use the designated bicycle parking spaces provided.

There is a public parking garage "Plaza" and also reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities on via delle Corse near the entrance to via Portici. Using the "Car Park Finder" app you can view available spaces in real time.

Bicycle parking spaces are located at Piazza Grano. Take care not to park bicycles and e-rollers carelessly. They can pose a danger to blind and visually impaired people as they create obstacles to safely walking along paths and finding entrances. People in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs can also be hindered by carelessly parked bicycles. Please use the bicycle parking spaces provided.

The right behaviour and good manners make visiting cultural sites more enjoyable for everyone and show your respect for art, culture, and history.

• Photography is sometimes allowed, sometimes not. Check the signs.
• Silent phones and quiet voices make for a better experience – for you and everyone else. This might be tricky in groups, but it’s worth the effort.
• Uneven floors and narrow stairs can sometimes make things tricky. Take your time and stay safe.
• Accessibility matters: Not all cultural sites are fully accessible, but where they are, give priority to those who need it. It’s a matter of dignity – for them and for you.
• Pets are best left outside unless otherwise allowed, as they’re not usually permitted inside cultural spaces.
• Check emergency exits and evacuation plans– just in case. If there’s an emergency, stay calm, follow the signs, and head to the assembly point outside.

Most of this might seem obvious – and it is! But a little reminder never hurts. By being calm, mindful, and respectful, you’re making a big difference – for yourself, your surroundings, and future generations.