The history of the museum
Career
1947
Birth of Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947, in Graz. He spent his childhood and youth with his family in the gendarmerie’s official residence in Thal, which was located in the former forester’s lodge of the Counts of Herberstein. He moved out on August 8, 1966, to conquer the world from there. Due to his activities as a bodybuilder, actor, and governor of California, he can rightly be described as the most famous living Austrian in the world today.
In 2004, under Mayor Peter Urdl, a long-time friend of Arnold’s, the 7.3 km Arnold Schwarzenegger Hiking Trail was opened. Six large granite memorial stones with copper plaques allow hikers to retrace the most important stages of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life during their hike. There are also stations at nearby Lake Thaler that can be discovered on a separate lake tour.
2004
Inauguration of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Hiking Trail
2009
Acquisition of the birthplace of investor Christian Baha
To honor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s unique life journey, a museum was needed. When this idea was presented to Arnold in his hometown of Thal in 2007, he pledged his support by donating numerous personal items. Two years later, in 2009, Superfund owner Christian Baha purchased House 145 in Thal, which had previously been privately owned, at auction. Renovations quickly followed, and with the support of Peter Urdl, a long-time friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the long-cherished vision of a one-of-a-kind Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum was realized. Since 2011, visitors from all over the world have been able to get a glimpse into Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life through memorabilia and other artifacts.
On Arnold Schwarzenegger’s birthday, July 30, 2011, the house was handed over to its new purpose as a museum. On October 7 of the same year, the house was officially opened with the unveiling of a larger-than-life bronze statue of Ralph Crawford by Arnold. Since its opening, the museum has constantly adapted to Arnold’s developments. Additional areas, such as his military service and new film props, have been added. And the story continues…
2011
Opening of the museum
Arnold Schwarzenegger sends a video greeting for the opening of his museum.
Our team
Christian Baha
Initiator and owner
of the Official Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum
Peter Urdl
Former mayor of Thal, founder of the museum, and long-time friend of Arnold
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