A new museum in Salzburg, Austria, dedicated to ‘The Sound of Music,’ opened its doors on Sunday, showcasing the real-life story of the von Trapp family alongside the iconic film.
SALZBURG, Austria — The city of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its musical heritage and as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, has unveiled a new cultural attraction dedicated to the beloved 1965 film ‘The Sound of Music.’ The Sound of Music Salzburg museum opened its doors on Sunday with the objective of offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of the film’s narrative and its historical context, particularly highlighting the real-life experiences of the von Trapp family that inspired the story.
The museum’s inaugural event featured Elisabeth von Trapp, a granddaughter of Georg and Agathe von Trapp, the central figures whose family saga inspired the iconic Broadway musical and the subsequent Hollywood blockbuster. Elisabeth, who still conducts guided tours of notable film locations in Salzburg, expressed her pride in the new venue, stating, ‘It is intimate enough so you really have a beautiful sense of the storyline of both the Sound of Music and the Trapp family singers — my relatives. I’m very proud of that.’
Clarifying Historical Misconceptions
Elisabeth von Trapp took the opportunity to clarify a common misconception regarding her family’s portrayal in the film. Her father, Werner von Trapp, is depicted as the character Kurt in the movie. ‘Just to set the record straight, my father is depicted in the movie as Kurt; his name was Werner von Trapp,’ she noted, underscoring the importance of accurately preserving her family’s legacy amid the film’s fictionalized retelling.
Set within the historic Hellbrunn Palace, the museum is strategically located where many memorable scenes from the film were shot. The narrative of ‘The Sound of Music’ unfolds against the backdrop of Nazi Germany’s annexation of Austria in 1938, focusing on a governess named Maria who teaches the seven children of the von Trapp family to appreciate music, ultimately falling in love with their father, widower Georg von Trapp.
Unlike the rigid paternal figure portrayed by actor Christopher Plummer in the film, the real Georg von Trapp was a submarine commander in the Austro-Hungarian navy. Museum officials have highlighted that he was ‘not a strict paternalist’ but rather ‘a considerate, albeit much-burdened, father,’ aiming to provide a more nuanced understanding of the family’s true history and dynamics.
Exhibits and Visitor Experience
The museum features nearly 450 artifacts intimately connected to the film, including props, costumes, cinema posters, and music recordings that celebrate the film’s legacy. Among the highlights of the exhibition is the gazebo where the characters Liesl von Trapp and her suitor Rolf perform the iconic duet ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen.’ This gazebo has become a significant landmark for fans of the film, further enhancing the visitor experience.
The film itself, which garnered five Academy Awards—including Best Picture—has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to Salzburg each year. The allure of both the movie and the real-life von Trapp story has established the city as a popular destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in its rich musical heritage and the captivating narrative of the von Trapp family.
Among the attendees at the opening event were John and Terry Combs, a couple from Dayton, Ohio, who participated in a walking tour of Salzburg led by Elisabeth von Trapp. ‘I love the combination of it being much about the movie, of course, but about the real von Trapp family, which I’ve read much about over the years,’ Terry Combs shared. ‘And having met and known Elisabeth a little bit — it just brought it full circle.’
Future Plans for the Museum
The Sound of Music Salzburg museum will be open daily until November 1, 2023. Following a brief closure period, it is scheduled to reopen in March 2024, allowing more fans of the film and the von Trapp legacy to explore the rich history intertwined with this iconic musical tale. The museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the true story of the von Trapp family signifies the lasting impact of both the film and its real-life inspiration, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the cultural significance of this storied family and their contributions to music and history.
As the museum embarks on its inaugural season, the intersection of film, history, and personal narrative serves to enrich the visitor experience, while reinforcing the importance of understanding the true stories that lie behind popular cultural narratives. The Sound of Music Salzburg museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the von Trapp family and the musical heritage of Austria, continuing to attract and engage a diverse audience from around the world.
