Visitors to the Kunstmeile Krems immediately sense that nature can be experienced here in a special way—colorful, full of surprises, and with dry feet. Nestled in the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site, two museums with three exhibitions are currently dedicated to nature, plants, and our relationship with them. 

The rest of the exhibition is also dedicated to the unforgettable, in reference to the exhibition's subtitle. Placed on walls and easels, dried and pressed plants bear witness to the personal memories of people from the Krems area. The accompanying short stories about the preserved events range from humorous anecdotes – such as the transformation of a Christmas tree into a yucca palm – to childhood experiences or failed relationships.

Where does the German expression “Geh dahin, wo der Pfeffer wächst” (Go where the pepper grows) come from? And why is it that in supermarkets, bananas are usually found under the number one button on the scales? These questions and everyday occurrences are explored in the exhibition “Flower Power. A Cultural History of Plants” at the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich. Using 18 selected edible, useful, and ornamental plants, the show opens up a view of the complex relationship between humans and plants. More than 400 exhibits engage in a sensory dialogue between natural science, cultural history, and art.

One example is the tulip: the contemporary painting “Der Spekulant” (The Speculator) by Franziska Maderthaner (born 1962) refers to the historical tulip mania of the 17th century, the first documented stock market crash in history. This perspective is complemented by historical tiles from the 16th century, which refer to the religious and political significance of the tulip outside Europe.

“Flower Power. A Cultural History of Plants” can be seen at the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich until mid-February 2026.

Just a few steps further on, the Karikaturmuseum Krems  opens its doors. Visitors are greeted by a friendly facade face with a red nose and jester's cap on the museum forecourt. And by the time you reach “Forest Longing. Stories and Caricature”, it becomes clear that this is a completely different view of nature. Over 130 cartoons and caricatures humorously satirize the relationship between humans and nature. While cartoonists such as Bruno Haberzettl, Gerhard Haderer, and Manfred Deix focus on hunting and leisure activities, the works of Magic Card illustrator Matthias Kolros and Paul Flora invite visitors into mystical forests and fairy-tale worlds.

Between knitting hunters and a flashing ATM in the deepest forest, criticism is not lacking in these humorous depictions: the forest is more than just a backdrop. After all, around 80 percent of all land-based animal and plant species are at home in forests. As one of the most species-rich ecosystems on earth, the forest plays a central role in biodiversity and is also under serious threat. 

Incidentally, the best view of the themed exhibition “Forest Longing” is from the raised platform. This is located in the middle of the exhibition and is just one element of the original design. Passing sensory stations for feeling, smelling, and hearing, as well as taxidermied animals such as a bear and a fox, the varied exhibition experience unfolds in Austria's only museum of satirical art. “Forest Longing” combines humor with attitude and offers an entertaining and thought-provoking approach to the topic of forests.

Tip: If your family can no longer see the forest for the trees, the exhibition highlight for young and old alike, based on the well-known forest monster Grüffelo, offers a varied escape in the museum. 

Three exhibitions – one ticket 
Whether poetic flowers, the history of plants, or bitterly angry caricatures of the forest – the Kunstmeile Krems shows the diversity of nature with three very different approaches. With the Super.Kombiticket, you can conveniently discover all the exhibitions with just one ticket – perfect for escaping the winter blues. Between art, humor, and stories, nature blossoms and museum visitors find a welcome change from the gray winter routine.

Nature in focus at the Kunstmeile Krems

Regula Dettwiller. Unforgettable
Until March 8, 2026 | Landesgalerie Niederösterreich

Flower Power. A Cultural History of Plants
Until February 15, 2026 | Landesgalerie Niederösterreich

Forest Longing. Stories and Caricature
Until July 1, 2026 | Karikaturmuseum Krems