The Castle Museum is a veritable cabinet of curiosities. A gallery of ancestral Batthyány family portraits, a family table, glassware, and porcelain crockery painted in Schwarzlot (sepia enamel), a baroque billiard table, collectables from the Far East, yet more baroque and renaissance objects… Religious exhibits (mass vestments, chalice, monstrance, and more) cement the castle’s position as a treasure trove of religious artefacts.
Fascinating objects give us a glimpse into the castle’s former incarnation as a fortress and a court for minor offences. The rooms on the second floor are furnished as they would have been in days gone by, giving visitors an idea of what life was like in the castle and the distinct impression that the lord of the castle will be back at any moment. In the music room, visitors can marvel at the 16th century chest organ, two pianolas and a cymbal, among other items. In the dining room, a Herend porcelain service is on display.
In the 16 and 17centuries, Güssing was also a religious and scientific hub, as many precious exhibits will attest. The botanist Carolus Clusius worked here, as did the printer Johann Manlius.
In the splendid gallery, once the great hall, art works dating back more than 400 years can be admired. This room also makes a wonderful setting for concerts and receptions. A worthy venue indeed for civil wedding ceremonies.
Down on the basement floor, visitors will find the Tin Figure Collection ‒ individual tin figures and dioramas offer a vibrant picture of civilian and military life in the 17 and 18 centuries. – Castle kitchen, confectionary and the founding of monasteries in South Burgenland.
