The “Helden & Hofer” (Heroes & Hofer) permanent exhibition – a new look at Andreas Hofer

Introduction
For the commemorative year of 2009, the Passeier Museum is currently putting together the new permanent exhibition called “Helden & Hofer” (“Heroes & Hofer”). The exhibition replaces the previous Andreas Hofer area and covers a total of 500 m2, mostly in a specially constructed underground centre. “Heroes & Hofer” is intended to serve as a permanent attraction for both locals and visitors long beyond the year in question.
The creators, under the leadership of author Josef Rohrer (based on the research of a number of historians) have permitted themselves a new interpretation of Andreas Hofer and the rebellion of 1809. The exhibition first depicts the events of 200 years ago from an unusual point of view: the perspective constantly changes between that of the Tyroleans and the outside view of Tyrol as it existed in Hofer’s time. The new exhibition also analyses the issue of hero worship, using the story of Andreas Hofer. Setting aside familiar Tyrolean patriotism, it addresses the question of why each era and each society needs heroes.
The museum tour is dynamic and takes modern viewing habits into account. It makes use of changing perspectives, films and sounds.

Content
At the beginning of the tour, visitors will meet many well-known heroes. Heroes from novels and war, heroes of sport and Greek mythology, heroes for a day and heroes for all time. Andreas Hofer is just one of many heroes.
A 15-minute animated film follows, showing the most important episodes in the life of the otherwise inconspicuous Andreas Hofer against the backdrop of the historical events unfolding in Europe at that time.
From there we are led directly to the centre of politics on a European scale. Napoleon is redrawing the map of Europe, with Tyrol coming under Bavarian rule.

Setting aside patriotism and using changing perspectives, we now see what induced the Bavarians to introduce such thoroughgoing reforms. And what prompted the Tyroleans – egged on by Austria – to dare to rebel openly against foreign rule. The rebellion of 1809 is just one of many regional conflicts to have been provoked throughout history by the great powers.

Battle is joined between undisciplined bands of Tyrolean warriors, charging straight at the serried ranks of advancing Bavarians, French and Saxons, who are tactically at a disadvantage in the confined terrain. With Napoleon having other priorities, the Tyroleans initially emerge victorious from some lesser engagements. Andreas Hofer establishes himself at the Imperial Palace at Innsbruck as ruler of Tyrol.

From there the tour leads through the labyrinthine thoughts of Andreas Hofer. Austria is negotiating peace with France, while Hofer, his situation now hopeless, still believes in divine assistance. He wavers between giving up and continuing the fight, gives contradictory orders and thus prolonging the agony. Influenced by radicals, he has no choice. A prisoner of history, he is captured without resistance and finally shot at Mantua.

Only after Hofer’s death will the failure of the Tyrolean rebellion be transformed into a heroic tale. Visitors can now experience how monuments, poems and paintings have created a hero who appeals to all. The creation of all heroes follows a similar pattern.

Many heroes are soon forgotten. But some manage to achieve immortality in the pantheon of greats. Here visitors will find possible answers to the question of why each society and each era needs its heroes.

Perspectives:
> Views of former enemies: Bavaria, France, Saxony
> 4 audio stations where women have their say
> Children’s activity areas

The new permanent exhibition is due to open on 21 February 2009.