26.04.2026 – 31.10.2026
“Do It Yourself!” is the motto to which the Sumerauerhof is dedicating two exhibitions in 2026. The exhibitions combine regional history and knowledge of nature with contemporary themes such as sustainability, personal initiative and a sense of the future. Doing things yourself was a necessity for centuries: things were made with one’s own hands, clothes were mended, objects repaired, and materials reused until the very end. The principle of ‘spun and made by oneself’ shaped not only everyday life but also ideals of virtue, frugality and self-sufficiency. Today, ‘DIY’ is experiencing a resurgence. Community initiatives and online tutorials are turning DIY into an expression of creativity and sustainability. The exhibition focuses on a variety of activities: repairing, from mending to using a ratchet tie; upcycling by reusing old fabric scraps for patchwork rugs; processing food through bread-baking or cider-making; or painting furniture as an expression of rural creativity. Historical objects enter into dialogue with contemporary DIY practices.
Actively shaping nature
What does a ‘garden of horrors’ look like for animals – and what makes a habitat rich in biodiversity? The new nature exhibition takes visitors through three indoor spaces and an outdoor trail featuring hedges, meadows, stone walls and deadwood. Taxidermy specimens show which animals need these structures and how everyday decisions – from perfectly manicured lawns to sealed surfaces – affect wildlife. Outside, a new trail featuring flower meadows, exposed brickwork, swallows’ nests, habitat trees and piles of deadwood illustrates specific species conservation measures that can also be implemented at home.
DIY – Do it yourself
26.04.2026 – 31.10.2026
Sumerauerhof St. Florian
Samesleiten 15
4490 St. Florian
www.ooekultur.at
