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Places of interest #7 in Graz

An Arnold Schwarzenegger Exhibition

4.7 · 3,627 reviews
Nostalgic and personal
An Arnold Schwarzenegger Exhibition, Linakstraße 9, 8051 Thal, Austria
Interesting facts
1

The building was constructed in 1806 and served as a forester's lodge.

2

The exhibit includes the original kitchen table where the Schwarzenegger family ate their meals.

3

The museum features a rare collection of the first bodybuilding equipment Schwarzenegger used as a teenager.

4

A life-sized bronze statue of Schwarzenegger, created by artist Ralf Exler, stands in the courtyard.

5

The museum covers his full trajectory: bodybuilding, Hollywood acting, and political service as the Governor of California.

Overview

The Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum is located in the childhood home where the bodybuilder, actor, and former governor lived until age 18. Situated in Thal, near Graz, the museum displays personal artifacts including his first dumbbells, school records, and early movie memorabilia. The building itself is an authentic 19th-century structure that preserves the original layout of the residence. It houses the original bed where Schwarzenegger slept and a collection of props from his film career, such as the Terminator leather jacket and motorcycle. A bronze statue of the star is positioned in the museum garden. The site offers insight into his upbringing in post-war rural Austria and his transition to international fame. It remains a primary destination for fans documenting his rise from a local athlete to a global cultural icon.

Photo spot

Beside the bronze statue of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the outdoor garden area.

Insider tips

Allocate extra time to explore the surrounding Thal forest trails, which Schwarzenegger frequented in his youth.

Check the official website for group tour availability if you are traveling with a large party.

Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Thalersee lake for a scenic walk.

What to avoid

Do not expect a massive commercial complex; it is a preserved, intimate home museum, so avoid rushing through the smaller rooms.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings in the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to avoid crowds from Graz and tour buses.
Address
An Arnold Schwarzenegger Exhibition, Linakstraße 9, 8051 Thal, Austria
47.072, 15.363
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsOriginal childhood bed, first bodybuilding weights, Terminator film memorabilia, personal school documents.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings in the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to avoid crowds from Graz and tour buses..

Beside the bronze statue of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the outdoor garden area.

Close by you'll find Schloss Eggenberg, Schlossberg, Pfarrkirche Thal-St. Jakob.