LUMEN — Museum of Mountain Photography
LUMEN — Museum of Mountain Photography is a museum located at the summit of Plan de Corones (Kronplatz), a peak above the Pustertal valley in South Tyrol, Italy. Dedicated to the history and art of mountain photography, it occupies a building at altitude reached by cable car, where photographic images of the Alps and other ranges are displayed against the panorama of the surrounding peaks. The museum traces how photographers have portrayed mountains from the earliest cameras to the present day.
At a glance
- Type
- Photography museum (mountain photography)
- Period
- Contemporary; collections spanning the history of photography
- Style
- Modern summit museum at high altitude
- Location
- Plan de Corones (Kronplatz), South Tyrol, Italy
Overview
LUMEN is devoted to the photography of mountains as a subject and an art form. Its galleries gather images, equipment and stories that chart how the high peaks have been captured on film and in digital form. The setting at the top of Plan de Corones makes the surrounding Alps part of the visit.
History
The museum opened on the summit of Plan de Corones, a mountain already developed for skiing and sightseeing and served by cable cars. It was conceived to celebrate the long relationship between photography and the mountains, from the pioneering alpine photographers of the nineteenth century onward. The summit location ties the displays directly to the landscapes they portray.
What you see
Exhibits present mountain photographs across eras and techniques, alongside cameras and material on how such images were made. The building’s design frames views of the Dolomites and other ranges. A spectacular panorama surrounds the visitor on arrival at the peak.
Cultural significance
By focusing on a single, distinctive genre, the museum highlights the role photography has played in shaping how people imagine and value the Alps. It contributes to South Tyrol’s strong tradition of mountain culture and tourism.
Practical information
The museum is reached by cable car to the summit of Plan de Corones; opening times follow the lift seasons. Check the official website for hours, tickets and lift schedules before visiting.
Getting there
Access is via the cable cars that climb Plan de Corones from valley stations in the Pustertal area, such as Bruneck/Brunico and nearby villages. The Pustertal is served by rail and road; from the valley, lifts carry visitors to the summit.