Hans Gross Museum of Criminology

Graz

Criminal cases and scientific evidence investigation.

The Hans Gross Kriminalmuseum (Criminal Museum) provides insights into the beginnings of modern criminology and the work of one of the most significant criminal law experts of the 19th century. Founded in 1895 by Hans Gross, the founder of "scientific criminology" and the Graz School of Criminology, the museum originated from his collection of teaching materials at the Regional Court for Criminal Matters. The collection includes numerous "corpora delicti" – evidence from documented criminal cases, including weapons, projectiles, and toxins, and originally served to train legal practitioners, students, and criminal investigators.

Particularly characteristic of the museum is the crime scene kit, with which Hans Gross conducted meticulous investigations directly at the crime scenes, thereby establishing new methods for solving crimes. The exhibition also showcases the development of criminalistics and illustrates how Gross' work found international imitation, including in the USA, Germany, and Japan.

Today, the Criminal Museum is located on Heinrichstraße and presents the collection in thematically organized areas that highlight both the technical and psychological aspects of crime investigation. Original exhibits, historical documents, and multimedia presentations bring the work of one of the pioneers of criminalistics to life. A visit offers the opportunity to excitingly discover history, science, and social backgrounds – a special highlight in the Graz Region.

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Hans Gross Museum of Criminology

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Graz (350m)

Graz Region