The Myth of the Pummerin: Unpacking Austria's Iconic Bell and National Symbol at the House of Austrian History

Explore the 'Myth of the Pummerin,' Austria's largest bell, which has served as a potent political symbol throughout history. This exhibition delves into its origins, its construction from cannon spoils, its imagery, and its role as a voice for Austrian identity and resilience, from its historical ringing to its modern broadcast presence.

The 'Myth of the Pummerin' exhibition examines the profound historical and symbolic resonance of Austria's largest bell. Originally cast in 1711 from captured Ottoman cannons, the first Pummerin was a testament to Habsburg victories. Its imagery, including the Virgin Mary and Habsburg coat of arms, underscored its imperial significance. The second Pummerin, recast in 1952, adapted its iconography to include the victory over the Ottoman siege of 1683 and the destruction of St. Stephen's Cathedral in 1945, reflecting a changed national narrative. Despite being considered the 'soul of St. Stephen's,' the Pummerin's ringing was restricted for decades due to structural concerns in the cathedral's South Tower, with exceptions made only for significant historical events. Its resurgence as the 'Voice of Austria' after World War II was heavily influenced by mass media. The bell's sound, first broadcast on New Year's Eve 1951/1952, became synonymous with the resurrected Republic and its annual ringing tradition, solidifying its place in the collective consciousness as a symbol of continuity and national spirit.

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