Paneum museum with highlights of Austria's first bread museum, Egyptian mummies, and Kornspitz

Paneum is a museum like no other, showing the amazing history of bread. You can find ancient treasures and modern stories in one place. The building itself looks like a shining masterpiece, waiting for you to explore!

A Unique Museum About Bread

Paneum is one of the most unusual museums in Austria. It surprises visitors with its special architecture, the stories it tells, and the objects inside. It is not a traditional museum where we only look at displays. Instead, Paneum is a place full of interesting items, and we can explore the stories behind them. We can learn about the history of bread, too. So, if you are interested in architecture, history, food, and especially bread, you should visit Paneum.

The Name Paneum

The name “Paneum” comes from two words. The first word is “Panis,” which means “bread” in Latin, and the second word is “Museum.” When we put these words together, we get “Paneum,” which is a museum about bread. The name itself shows the focus of the museum, and it invites us to discover more about this important food.

The Architecture
of Paneum

Many people think that the shape of Paneum looks like a loaf of bread or dough ready for baking. However, the architect, who is from the company Coop Himmelb(l)au, says something different. He designed the building to look like a ship on a cloud. This ship protects valuable items from the outside world, just like Noah’s Ark in the Bible. The building is made of wood, and we can see the wooden structure from inside. The outside is covered with metal sheets that shine in the light. The combination of wood and metal creates a unique look. Furthermore, the architecture blends modern design with traditional materials.

Paneum building designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au
Coop Himmelb(l)au, the designer of Paneum, also created Vienna’s Gasometer and the European Central Bank in Frankfurt.

The Amazing Collection

Paneum has a very large collection. It includes nearly 1,200 objects that show the history of bread around the world. We can see items not only from Europe but also from Peru, Ancient Egypt, and other places. For example, we can see a model of a bakery made over 5,000 years ago. We can also find ancient tools, artworks, and writings related to bread. The oldest objects in Paneum are about 9,000 years old. These items help us understand how important bread has been in human history. Moreover, the collection shows how bread connects different cultures and times.

Interior exhibit of Paneum, Austria's first museum dedicated to bread
Paneum is the first museum in Austria dedicated to bread.

The Owner – Backaldrin

Backaldrin owns Paneum, and many people think it is one of the biggest baking companies in Austria. The company sells its products in over 100 countries around the world. Backaldrin’s main office is next to Paneum. The company’s history begins in 1964 when the Augendopler family decides to sell baking products for bread. They wanted to provide high-quality ingredients to bakeries. In the next decades, the company grows a lot. In the 1980s, Backaldrin introduces Kornspitz to the market. This famous Austrian baked good is available today in almost every bakery. In the following years, the company continues to expand. It opens branches in the Czech Republic, Poland, Moscow, and Jordan. The company focuses on innovation and quality. Finally, in 2017, Paneum opens to the public. Backaldrin wants to share the history and culture of bread with everyone.

Kornspitz – The Famous Bread

Near Paneum, we can see a monument of Kornspitz. Backaldrin first created Kornspitz. Until 2015, only Backaldrin had the right to use this name. Today, Kornspitz is the most popular branded baked good in Europe. Every day, 4.5 million people eat Kornspitz. The name “Kornspitz” even went to the European Court. Austrian courts said that people no longer see “Kornspitz” as a brand name but as a type of baked good. The European Court agreed with the Austrian courts. The Supreme Court in Austria also agreed. Therefore, “Kornspitz” is a word that means a type of bread, not just the company’s product. The first producer cannot patent it and use it only for itself. This means that other bakeries can make and sell Kornspitz. As a result, Kornspitz has become a symbol of Austrian baking.

Kornspitz bread in front of Paneum museum in Austria
The Kornspitz bread sculpture is a creative display at the Paneum museum, Austria’s first museum dedicated to bread.

Why You Should Visit Paneum

Visiting Paneum is a special experience. You can see amazing architecture, learn about the history of bread, and explore unique objects from around the world. The museum is interesting for people who like architecture, history, food, and culture. Moreover, you can learn how bread connects different cultures and times. You can also enjoy tours, interactive exhibits, and special events. Therefore, a visit to Paneum is both fun and educational.

Gallery

Exterior view of Paneum museum in Austria

Exterior

Hanging exhibits inside Paneum museum in Austria
Interior spiral staircase of Paneum museum with art exhibits

Staircase

Library section inside Paneum museum with "Das Wissen der Welt" written on the wall
Ancient grain mummy exhibit at Paneum museum

Grain Mummy

Exhibition room inside Paneum museum with various artifacts

Paneum is not just a museum. It is a journey through the history of bread and its importance in human life. From ancient objects to modern architecture, Paneum offers a unique experience. So, if you are ever in Austria, make sure to visit Paneum. It is a place where you can see, learn, and enjoy the fascinating world of bread. You will leave with a new appreciation for this everyday food that connects us all.

austriabyoeffis.at 30 September 2024, 12:52

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