City Archive

What is the task of the city archive?

The Innsbruck City Archive documents the history of the city from its beginnings to the 21st century. The wealth of material, from photos and postcards to oil paintings, flyers, documents and files, is not just kept to collect dust. On the contrary: the documents are systematically recorded and can be viewed by anyone interested - whether you are a professor of history or an amateur historian. In addition to the large collection of books, hundreds of journals and newspapers are also accessible and can be viewed within a few minutes. Large parts of the collection can be searched online:

Are you interested in contributions to the current exhibitions, the history of Innsbruck's aviation pioneers or treasures and curiosities of the city archive? Just sit back and enjoy an acoustic foray through the city's history with the City Archive's broadcasts.

What can I find in the city archive?

In the City Archives you will find files, documents or photos - in short: (almost) everything about the history of the city of Innsbruck back to its beginnings in the 13th century. The records and documents produced by the city administration are stored here, as are personal collections and bequests. You can view all of this, provided that the relevant data protection guidelines are observed. The archive's holdings focus on the following areas:

• Photos and postcards
• Files of the city administration
• Plans and maps
• Posters and art prints
• Documents since the foundation of the town
• Prints until 1900
• Watercolors, oil paintings, drawings
• Leaflets and ordinances
• Company letterheads and advertising material

How can I do research?

You can carry out research in person in the reading room of the City Archive or send inquiries to the historians at the City Archive by e-mail. If you visit in person, it may be advisable, depending on the field of research, to send an additional request by e-mail in advance so that the City Archive can prepare material for you and you are able to conduct your research as time-efficiently as possible. Books or newspaper articles can also be digitized quickly using the book scanner.

The library database is available online, which you can use to search the city archive's holdings.

Do you need images for publications, calendars or similar?

The Innsbruck City Archive has an enormous stock of historical images. You are welcome to use the AUGIAS system to search in person in the reading room at any time. You are welcome to take the images with you on a USB stick, provided that data protection is observed. The staff at the City Archive will also be happy to send you the images by e-mail. If the images are published or used commercially, there is a flat fee per image. You can find the rates here:

Do you want to contribute to the memory of the city?

Have you ever wondered if that old box in the attic or basement might tell an interesting story? Find out now! If you find old diaries, documents or objects that could be of historical interest, the staff of the City Archives will be happy to examine them for you.

Are there events in the city archive?

Guided tours, book presentations and other events take place in the city archive/city museum. The city walks, which take place annually on various themes, are particularly popular. Accompany the mobile city archive on exciting, touching, thrilling and impressive journeys into the past of the state capital. Tickets can only be purchased in advance at Service Unit City Archive/City Museum All dates and topics can be found here.

Is the city archive barrier-free?

Yes, at the entrance via Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 3 (at the end of the inner courtyard) there is ground-level access to the elevator, which provides barrier-free access to the City Archive and City Museum.