SCHLOSS BLÜHNBACH

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Austria, Schloss Blühnbach stands as a captivating testament to Austria’s rich heritage, where history comes alive in every nook and cranny. With its awe-inspiring architecture, breath-taking surroundings, and intriguing legends, the castle seamlessly blends the past with the present, and offers a journey through time, leaving those that visit enchanted and longing to return.

Dating back to the medieval era, Schloss Blühnbach has witnessed centuries of history unfold within its sturdy walls. The architecture is a masterpiece in itself. Today it stands proudly as a living testament to the enduring spirit of preservation and continues to thrive as more than just a historical landmark.

Schloss Blühnbach was acquired by Frederick R. Koch in 1987, and since 2020, after his passing, the ownership of the Schloss transferred to the Blühnbach Foundation, a non-profit deeply committed to promoting increased public awareness of the preservation and significance of this historic Austrian monument. The Foundation is fervently dedicated to supporting the protection, maintenance and educational use of the Schloss so that it may foster an environment where young artists and art historians alike can grow and thrive in their respective fields.

While Schloss Blühnbach is a cherished site of historical significance, the Foundation itself is not an organisation that accepts unsolicited grant requests. Our primary mission is to preserve the castle’s heritage and provide a platform for cultural enrichment, for which our resources and efforts are dedicated.

OUR MISSION & LEGACY

OUR MISSION

To preserve, inspire and celebrate the rich cultural heritage embodied by Schloss Blühnbach while empowering creativity, fostering education, and advancing global collaboration.

OUR LEGACY

Honoring the vision of Frederick R. Koch by safeguarding collections and supporting the next generation of artists and scholars.

DDD

PROTECT & RESTORE

Maintain the architectural and historical integrity of Schloss Blühnbach, ensuring its enduring beauty and significance.

ARTISTIC INNOVATION

Provide a sanctuary for artists, scholars, and visionaries to create, collaborate, and thrive within a setting steeped in history and inspiration.

INSPIRE & EDUCATE

Host educational programs, exhibitions, and events that highlight the importance of art, culture, and social sciences in shaping a better world.

DIALOGUE

Establish Schloss Blühnbach as a hub for global leaders and thinkers to engage in transformative discussions that inspire action and innovation.

RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION

At Schloss Blühnbach, we recognise the profound significance of this Austrian historic monument and are actively involved in its thoughtful preservation. While our primary focus is on comprehensive support for the protection, maintenance, and educational utilisation of Schloss Blühnbach, plans are underway to expand its capabilities as a multifaceted hub, fostering a thriving arts community within its historic walls.

We embrace the rich cultural heritage embodied by Schloss Blühnbach and we are committed to developing retreats and mentorship programs in this extraordinary setting, where young artists alongside top professionals in their chosen field will convene to focus on education, artistic growth, and boundless creativity. The glorious Schloss Blühnbach and its stunning landscapes will serve as the awe-inspiring backdrop to this immersive mentorship program.

SUPPORTING THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES

We are committed to supporting and inspiring the study and appreciation of various artistic disciplines. Our mission encompasses classical music, theatre and film, literature, fine art, photography, the decorative arts, architecture, garden design, cultural history, and the arts and humanities in general.

We strive to perpetuate the commitment of our Founder to emerging scholars, performers and other creative artists, providing them with the necessary resources to thrive.

HISTORY OF SCHLOSS BLÜHNBACH

THE ARCHBISHOPS

1431

First documented mention of a hunting lodge at Blühnbach, serving as a wooden retreat for the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg.

1525-1526

The original hunting lodge was destroyed during the German Peasants' War but was subsequently rebuilt.

1603-1608

Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau commissioned the construction of a stone hunting lodge on the site, with master builders Ruep Eder, Andrä Mairer, and Gabriel Prändtl overseeing the project.

Early 17th Century

Under Prince-Archbishop Paris Lodron, the castle experienced a period of grandeur, hosting significant hunting events and notable guests.

18th Century

The castle's prominence declined due to its remote location, leading to its use as a stud farm housing several hundred horses.

Late 18th Century

Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus von Colloredo renovated the castle, adding a second floor and refurbishing the roof to make it habitable again.

1816

Following Salzburg's incorporation into Austria, the castle became state property.

1842

Leased to a noble hunting society, the castle served as a base for big game hunting until 1910.

FRANZ FERDINAND

1908

Archduke Franz Ferdinand acquired the estate, transforming it into a private hunting domain encompassing approximately 14,000 hectares of forest.

1910-1913

Architect Ludwig Simon remodeled and expanded the castle in a Neo-Renaissance style under Franz Ferdinand's direction.

1914

Franz Ferdinand's assassination in Sarajevo occurred shortly after the castle's renovations were completed.

THE KRUPPS

1916

The estate was sold to industrialist Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach, who used it as a summer residence.

1950

Gustav Krupp passed away at Schloss Blühnbach.

1967

In 1967, Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, sole heir of the Krupp Dynasty renounces his inheritance in favor of the Krupp Foundation and receives Schloss Blühnbach instead.

After a glamorous life with his wife Princess Henriette of Auersperg, Arndt was laid to rest at the chapel of Blühnbach in May 1986.

THE PRESENT

1988

The castle was acquired by American collector and philanthropist Frederick R. Koch, who meticulously restored the property.

2020

Following Frederich Koch's death, the estate became part of the Frederick R. Koch Foundation of Austria, now The Bluhnbach Foundation.

Today, Schloss Blühnbach stands as a testament to its storied past, reflecting the architectural and cultural influences of its various owners.

OUR FOUNDER

Frederick R. Koch was a visionary philanthropist whose lifelong dedication to the arts and humanities continues to inspire and uplift. Born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1933, Mr. Koch pursued a path marked by academic excellence and a profound passion for culture. After earning degrees in English literature and drama from Harvard and Yale, he embarked on a journey that would shape the cultural landscape.

Known as the "collector’s collector," Mr. Koch’s discerning eye led to the preservation of countless artistic treasures, from rare manuscripts to architectural masterpieces. His acquisitions, including Schloss Blühnbach, reflected his unwavering commitment to safeguarding history and fostering creativity.

Beyond his role as a collector, Mr. Koch championed emerging artists, performers, and scholars. His philanthropy extended to organisations worldwide, supporting the performing arts, historic preservation, and education. Through the Frederick R. Koch Foundation, he cultivated opportunities for creativity to flourish and for cultural heritage to endure.

Frederick R. Koch’s legacy lives on in the halls of Schloss Blühnbach and beyond, where his vision continues to inspire future generations to celebrate art, history, and humanity.

LEADERSHIP TODAY

CRISPIN VAUGHAN

Chairman

BETTINA FISCHER

Vice Chairman

BILLIE JORDAN

Board Member

PETER TRINKL

Estate Manager

KRISTEN LINFANTE

Director, Development, Programs & Partnerships

UPCOMING PROJECTS

THE WERKSTÄTTEN PROJECT

The Blühnbach Foundation is about to embark on an exciting project to augment and complement the historic and architecturally spectacular Schloss Blühnbach, through the transformation of a former Estate structure, some half a mile distant from the Schloss, known as the Werkstätten or Workshop.

This charming Hansel & Gretel-like building will be renovated and converted into 21 private bedroom suites with bathroom and study area to provide accommodation and workspace where young artists and performers can work alongside top professionals in their chosen field. These pairings will focus on education and artistic growth in an atmosphere of boundless creativity. The glorious Schloss Blühnbach and its stunning setting will serve as an inspiring backdrop to this immersive mentorship program.

THE CREATION OF AN ALPINE GARDEN

The expansion of Blühnbach’s Alpine Garden progressed this year under the expert guidance of our head gardener. This continuing initiative will provide interns with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the unique challenges of garden design in high-altitude, mountainous landscapes, furthering our commitment to both horticultural mentorship, and sustainable, climate-resilient landscaping practices.

JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY

For more information on how you may become a part of the preservation of Schloss Blühnbach’s remarkable history while shaping its extraordinary future where history continues to inspire and educate generations to come, please contact us below. We are most grateful for your enthusiasm and support.

EMAIL US

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