There is something inherently picturesque about the Dolomites. As a photographer, I’ve always felt that the peaks of South Tyrol just ask to be captured, and at the Lumen Museum, they have a large collection of photos from the years.
But standing at 2,265 meters atop the Kronplatz (Plan de Corones) plateau, there is a place that takes this obsession with mountain imagery to a whole new level: LUMEN – Museum of Mountain Photography.
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors or someone who appreciates how architecture can frame the world, Lumen is a mandatory pilgrimage.
A Museum With a View (and a History)
Lumen isn’t just a gallery; it’s a transformed piece of Alpine history. Occupying the former mountain station of the Kronplatz cable car, the building itself is a brutalist masterpiece of glass and concrete. Spanning four floors and 1,800 square meters, it manages to feel both like a futuristic bunker and an open invitation to the sky.
The museum explores mountain photography from its early pioneers to the modern digital era, blending technical history with breathtaking artistry.
The Interactive Photography Experience
One of the most surprising elements of Lumen is how it moves beyond static frames. While I love a good print, the interactive photography exhibitions here are what truly set it apart.
- The Shutter: One of the architectural highlights is a massive, oversized wall opening that mimics a camera shutter. It can be closed to serve as a projection screen or opened to reveal a perfectly “composed” view of the surrounding peaks.
- The Mirror Chamber: This immersive installation plays with reflections and perspectives, making you feel like you’re standing inside a kaleidoscope of alpine landscapes. For those looking to experiment with “frame-in-frame” compositions or abstract reflections, this is a goldmine.
- Adrenaline-Fueled Imagery: The museum doesn’t shy away from the “extreme” side of the mountains, showcasing the work of photographers who dangle from ropes or brave sub-zero temperatures to get the shot.
Permanent Exhibitions: From Messner to National Geographic
Lumen hosts a range of permanent and rotating exhibits that cover every angle of mountain life:
- Wall of Fame: Dedicated to the pioneers of mountain photography.
- Reinhold Messner & Heritage: Given the proximity to the Messner Mountain Museum (MMM Corones), there is a deep dive into the history of alpinism.
- National Geographic: Often featuring curated selections that highlight the majesty of mountain ranges.
Dining at 2,265m: Alpinn Food Space & Restaurant
You can’t visit Lumen without mentioning Alpinn. Curated by three-Michelin-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler, the restaurant follows a “Cook the Mountain” philosophy.
The interior is stunning with floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re flying above the Val Pusteria. It’s the kind of place where the food is as photogenic as the horizon.
Beyond the Museum: The Kronplatz Swing
For those who want to capture that quintessential “adventure” shot, the famous Kronplatz giant swing (Skyscraper) is located nearby. If you have a fast shutter speed and a wide-angle lens, you can get some incredible shots of people swinging out into the void with the Dolomites as a backdrop.
Planning Your Visit
- How to Get There: You reach the summit via the cable cars from Reischach/Riscone, Olang/Valdaora, or Vigil/San Vigilio.
- Combination Ticket: You can often get a combined ticket that includes entry to both LUMEN and the neighboring MMM Corones (designed by Zaha Hadid).
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10-16h
