"The Art of Living. 800 Years of St Francis of Assisi"

On the occasion of the Eighth Centenary of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Salzburg Cathedral Museum is hosting the exhibition "The Art of Living. 800 Years of Francis of Assisi" (original title: Leben Kunst. 800 Jahre Franz von Assisi) from May 24 to November 2, 2026. The exhibition aims to highlight not only his life but also his spiritual legacy. The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the Cathedral Museum and the Research Association "Franziskanische Forschung" of Münster, which represents the three branches of the First Franciscan Order of the German-speaking Provinces. Among the curators of the exhibition are Br. Florian Mair, OFM, and Br. Benedikt Mertens, OFM.

Beginning with the most significant moments and themes in the life of St. Francis, the exhibition aims to guide visitors in a reflection on how his legacy, from his relationship with God to the proclamation of faith, from his commitment to the poor and the sick and to peace, to his connection with creation, has been lived and interpreted over the centuries.

The figure of the Order's founder and the Franciscan way of life born from his example are illustrated through testimonies from various artistic expressions, literature, and everyday objects, in a journey spanning the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The exhibition's title refers, on the one hand, to the "art of living" in Franciscan tradition and, on the other, to art as an integral part of the lives of the Order's nuns and friars. Since the origins of Franciscanism, the figurative arts have depicted episodes from the life of St. Francis, one of the most depicted saints in art history. The Franciscans have been artists, musicians, and scholars; The exhibition will showcase some significant examples.

The art exhibition features artefacts from Austria, South Tyrol, Germany, and Switzerland. An extensive catalogue accompanies the exhibition, featuring essays and descriptions of the exhibits.

St Francis of Assisi initiated a movement that, 800 years after his death, remains relevant. To demonstrate this legacy, members of the Franciscan Order will be available during the exhibition to answer visitors' questions about Franciscan life.

The exhibition runs from Sunday, the  24th May, 2026, to Monday, the  2nd November, 2026, in the North Oratory of the Salzburg Cathedral Museum.

For more information: https://www.domquartier.at/en/sonderausstellung/lebenskunst-800-jahre-franz-von-assisi/