Arlberg’s Alpine Life Unveiled in Striking New Photography Exhibition

A 400-year-old museum becomes a time capsule of Alpine culture, blending war photographer Capa’s playful side with stark images of tourism’s toll. Will these pictures redefine how we see the mountains?

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2026 January 1 . 1:22 PM

1 min read

It is a a vacation destination there are four people posing for a photo they are holding skating... — It is a a vacation destination there are four people posing for a photo they are holding skating pads and some other tools in the background there are some building and also few other people,behind that there is a mountain the whole place is covered with snow and ice.

Arlberg’s Alpine Life Unveiled in Striking New Photography Exhibition

A new photography exhibition has opened at the Lech Museum, showcasing the Arlberg region through different lenses. Titled Open Aperture: The Arlberg in Photography, the display runs until April 11, 2027, in a 400-year-old heritage building. The collection blends private snapshots, early colour images, and striking works by renowned photographers.

Curated by Dr. Michaela Feurstein-Prasser, the exhibition explores both the beauty and challenges of Alpine life. Visitors can expect guided tours on September 26-27, 2025, led by the curator herself.

The exhibition brings together diverse photographic styles. Among the highlights is a 1940s après-ski scene captured by Robert Capa, best known for his war photography. His image of Jonny, a bartender in Zürs, reveals a lighter side of the famed conflict photographer’s work.

Other works focus on the region’s changing landscape. Edgar Mall documented the fading Pillen huts, once common in the Arlberg area. Meanwhile, Tirol-based photographer Lois Hechenblaikner examines the effects of mass tourism on the mountains. His images contrast with the serene snowscapes captured by Tim Hall, Natasha Durlacher, and Walter Niedermayr. Beyond artistic interpretations, the show includes photojournalism and candid shots. Paparazzi images of celebrities in Lech sit alongside private family photos, some of the earliest colour images of the region. The mix offers a broad view of Alpine culture, from glamorous ski resorts to quiet village life.

The exhibition remains open for nearly two years, giving visitors ample time to explore its themes. Dr. Feurstein-Prasser’s curation highlights both the region’s visual allure and the pressures it faces. Guided tours in late September 2025 will provide deeper insight into the photographs and their stories.