They are mysterious, precious, and perhaps even of mythical origin: corals. Over 500 years ago, they were regarded as wonders from the depths of a largely unexplored sea. Numerous myths surrounded corals, ranging from ancient legends to early scientific theories; it was sometimes believed that they were formed from the blood of Medusa.
The Blood of Medusa
The Corals of Ambras Castle
Ambras Castle Innsbruck
Schlossstraße 20
6020 Innsbruck
Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed in november
Get your online ticket digitally on your smart phone.
About the Exhibition
Drawing on Archduke Ferdinand II’s unique collection – the world’s largest collection of sixteenth-century corals – some 50 coral objects, selected loans, and scientific perspectives engage in a dialogue within sensually staged rooms featuring light, colour, and sound. This special presentation illuminates the fascinating world of coral, spanning the ages right up to the present day. It explores their mythological significance, their historical value as precious natural specimens, scientific research into them, and their current role as a symbol of climate change.
Coral: a threatened beauty
The special presentation highlights coral as a fragile symbol of climate change – once more precious than gold, now under greater threat than ever before. Coral provides habitats for around a quarter of all marine life, making it one of the most species-rich ecosystems on Earth. For thousands of years, humans have used these habitats sustainably. Furthermore, corals provide inspiration for medicine, art and culture. However, the presentation also highlights just how unstable these ecosystems are: climate change is causing sea temperatures to rise, leading to coral bleaching and the death of the reefs.
Nature Meets Superstition, Pharmacological Use, and Art
Finally, this special exhibition explores the symbolic power of coral. Due to its red colour, coral has been regarded since ancient times as a protective talisman against illness, misfortune, and the ‘evil eye’. Powder made from red coral found its way into pharmacopoeias and medical formulations, including the famous pharmacopoeia by Philippine Welser. As a symbol of the blood of Christ, coral acquired profound significance in Christianity. It became a symbol of sacrifice, redemption, and eternal life.
Since antiquity, coral has also been not only the subject of scientific research but also a material for artistic creation. During the lifetime of Archduke Ferdinand II, coral filled an entire cabinet in the Ambras Chamber of Art and Wonders. With the Enlightenment, the focus shifted from art to nature: categorisation and classification came to the fore. The specialisation of museums reinforced this shift.
A unique fusion of nature and art can be found in the ‘Corallen Pürg’, artificially constructed mountains made of plaster and studded with coral. They give the impression of growing out of the mountains.
Help a coral reef grow!
The special presentation ends with a participatory element for visitors: they are invited to become part of a growing coral reef themselves. Whether crocheted, folded, or moulded coral objects – all of these gradually contribute to a collaborative installation. A poetic symbol that the protection and preservation of this threatened ecosystem is a shared responsibility.
Special exhibition: The Blood of Medusa
26 June to 31 October 2026
Daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Curated by Veronika Sandbichler, Katharina Seidl (Ambras Castle Innsbruck), and Pedro Frade (Natural History Museum, Vienna).
The special exhibition is a collaboration between the KHM-Museumsverband and the Natural History Museum, Vienna.
