Lower Austria exhibition draws more than 160,000 visitors

Lower Austria’s 2026 state exhibition drew 160,528 visitors to the Landesklinikum Mauer, a hospital in the Mostviertel, according to a report by ORF. The exhibition on mental health ran from March 28 to November 8.

The show focused in part on the site’s Nazi past. A learning centre in House 18 will remain open permanently, with free admission.

The exhibition and its preparations took place while the hospital continued operating. Hospital commercial director Regina Bauer said measures were taken in advance to protect the privacy of everyone on the grounds, including through natural screening.

A total of 43 million euros was invested in renovating historic buildings and improving outdoor infrastructure. The exhibition also supported regional development, according to Lower Austria governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. Seven related projects, including a pear-themed attraction with an indoor playground at Haag Zoo and the Starkl Erlebnisgarten in Aschbach-Markt, drew around 60,000 more visitors this year.

The next Lower Austria state exhibition is planned for 2028 in Gmünd under the title “Waterworld Waldviertel.” Its central venue will be the listed Palm House, with work to revitalise the building due to begin Thursday.