Legendary Climber Reinhold Messner Unveils Dolomites Museum Collection

In October 2025, legendary Italian climber Reinhold Messner, one of the greatest mountaineers of all time, has unveiled a new collection of museums in the Dolomites, a rugged mountain range in northeastern Italy near the Austrian border. The Dolomites, characterized by stark pinnacles, stone cathedrals, and fiercely savage vertical cliffs, are an unlikely location for such cultural institutions.

However, tucked away at high altitudes, these museums have become gathering spots to reflect on nature, modern alpinism, and the impacts of climate change. Messner, who has confronted extreme challenges throughout his life, including becoming the first person to conquer the world's 14 highest mountains without supplementary oxygen, has been the driving force behind this unique museum network.

Now at 81 years old, Messner shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to share the stories of his white-knuckle expeditions through his 80 published books, and the new Dolomites museums will serve as a testament to his remarkable climbing achievements and his passion for preserving the natural wonders of these treacherous peaks.