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 within the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site, museums here frequently focus on nature, plants, and our relationship with them. 

Even on the museum plaza of the Karikaturmuseum Krems, a friendly face on the facade—with a red nose and a jester’s cap—welcomes visitors. The exhibition “Forest Longing. Stories and Caricature,” for example, placed a strong emphasis on nature: Over 130 cartoons and caricatures humorously poked fun at the relationship between humans and nature. While caricaturists such as Bruno Haberzettl, Gerhard Haderer, and Manfred Deix took aim at hunting and recreational activities, the works of Magic Card illustrator Matthias Kolros and Paul Flora invited viewers into mystical forests and fairy-tale worlds. The exhibition ran through July 2026.

Between hunters knitting and a flashing ATM deep in the forest, the humorous depictions did not shy away from criticism: The forest is more than just a backdrop. After all, around 80 percent of all land-dwelling animal and plant species call forests home. As one of the most species-rich ecosystems on Earth, the forest plays a central role in biodiversity and is, at the same time, severely threatened.

The best view of the exhibition “Forest Longing” was from the raised viewing platform. It was situated in the middle of the exhibition and was just one element of the original design. Passing sensory stations for touching, smelling, and listening, as well as taxidermy specimens of a bear and a fox, the varied exhibition experience unfolded in Austria’s only museum of satirical art.

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

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 was complemented by historical tiles from the 16th century, which referred to the religious and political significance of the tulip outside Europe.

Whether it’s poetic flowers, the history of plants, or scathing caricatures of the forest—the Krems Art Mile showcases the diversity of nature through ever-changing perspectives. Through art, humor, and storytelling, nature comes to life, and museum visitors find a welcome respite from the gray winter routine.

On the Road. A Journey into the Collection 
Until January 10, 2027 | Lower Austria State Gallery