Cultural heritage is a community matter

In collaboration with the vai Vorarlberg Architecture Institute, the Dornbirn City Museum hosted a visit to the Schlossguggerhaus in Dornbirn on June 11, 2026. Owner Stefan Grabher led the afternoon’s activities and explained what happens when you start listening to the building.

Why would someone buy a house like that?

Even as a little boy, Stefan Grabher was fascinated by old, mysterious ruins. His grandfather sparked this interest back then by giving him a book about castles in 1987, which led to many excursions. When, many years later, he recognized the Schlossguggerhaus on the Sparkasse’s bulletin board, it became clear to him within moments: “This story must be preserved!” Together with Günter Haid, he finally made this dream a reality and purchased the Schlossguggerhaus in 2012.

The house lay silent for quite some time, as it had stood empty for 30 years. However, Mrs. Maschek, who had owned the house for 40 years, had kept it in good condition. When Raimund Rhomberg and Klaus Pfeifer took a very close look at the house, they made a fascinating discovery. The house is actually 200 years older than previously thought, making it the oldest known house in Dornbirn, dating back to 1294. “If the house could speak, it would probably tell us about the Black Death, the Middle Ages, and trade with the Bregenzerwald,” explains Petra Zudrell of the Dornbirn City Museum. Bringing the house back to life today is a particular priority for Stefan Grabher. Research projects are therefore never finished but rather an ongoing process. For example, research is currently underway to determine the origin of the building materials—an analysis of the individual layers of plaster makes this possible.

He also wants to inspire children to appreciate the value of historic buildings. Stefan is convinced that “those who can get excited about this will also have an interest in preserving our cultural heritage.” Stefan Grabher has already introduced 400 children to the history of the house.

Brought to Life Together

Another exciting project is the winegrowing at the Schlossguggerhaus—presumably the first time on this scale in 100 years. Wine was grown here in the past, but the Arlberg Railway marked the end of winegrowing in Vorarlberg. Together with cellar master Harry König, the two developed an innovative wine concept using fungus-resistant grape varieties that require less use of pesticides. The grapes are grown organically, as Stefan remains true to his commitment to running his business in an ecological yet innovative way—much like his use of organic cotton for his textile brand, Mary Rose.

Schoolchildren drawing for the Schlossgugger Order, geologists, historians, winemakers, archivists, and visitors on public tours—all these people are breathing new life into the building. For Stefan Grabher, shaping cultural heritage together rather than merely managing it has, in the broadest sense, something “punk-like” about it and is a cause close to his heart. “Without this house, I probably would never have met so many people,” says Stefan Grabher, “and this connection and exchange is the greatest reward for me.” It’s important to him to emphasize that it is only through collaboration with others that this revitalization is possible in the first place.

If you’d like to take a look inside the Schlossguggerhaus yourself, please visit us on September 27, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.—no registration is required. On National Heritage Day, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the house!