GMUNDEN – Austria
4810 – Upper Austria
Archaeological discoveries of earthenware jugs, bowls and tiles date back to the Middle Ages. As early as 1492, “Gmundner” ceramics was mentioned in documents. Centuries of ceramics in Gmunden, and the Salzkammergut, produced a large number of craftsmen and artists who gained international recognition and appreciation. Gmunden has set itself the goal of returning the topic of ceramics to its historically centuries-old significant role and promoting it in a renewed way. The lake Traunsee holiday and leisure region has positioned itself as a cultural hotspot in Austria, with many cultural activities from customs and traditions to contemporary arts and highlights. Every year in August Gmunden becomes the Mecca of ceramic arts, presenting a mix of contemporary ceramics; ceramists from Austria and abroad exhibit in Gmunden’s galleries and temporary locations, intensifying the focus on contemporary ceramic art. The biannual Ceramic Symposium brings European ceramic artists together with international experts for a 5 week residency. The K-Hof Museum offers a chronological cross section of Gmunden and the Traunsee district’s history from geological beginnings to 21st century. The ceramic theme is a constant thread throughout, with special exhibitions on history and contemporary ceramics changing regularly.
EXPLORE
City
First documented in 1492, Gmundner Keramik has become synonymous over the years with the best in Austrian tableware. Today part of our cultural heritage, its Green Flamed, Alpine Flowers, and other classic patterns are at home in countless households as part of the Austrian identity. Gmundner Keramik opened its present location in 1903. In 1909, the “Franz and Emilie Schleiss Art Workshop” then marked the beginning of what makes the company so special to this day – the love of art. Exhibitions and events as well as working stays and residencies for artists at Gmundner Keramik promote the passing on of artistic and technical expertise. Lively exchanges between employees, visitors, and artists are a hallmark of the Academy of Ceramics Gmunden (AoCG).
MUSEUMS
K-HOF MUSEUM
The Museum for historic sanitäry objects in the K-Hof features unique contributions to the cultural history of everyday use of pottery and ceramics.
Kammerhofgasse 8, 4810 Gmunden
+43 7612 794423
EVENTS
CERAMIC SYMPOSIUM
Every year in August Gmunden becomes the Mecca of ceramic arts, presenting a mix of contemporary ceramics; ceramists from Austria and abroad exhibit in Gmunden’s galleries and temporary locations, intensifying the focus on contemporary ceramic art. The biannual Ceramic Symposium brings European ceramic artists together with international experts for a 5 week residency.
