The exhibition begins in front of the underground ascent into the remise—suggested as a tunnel by a series of wooden laminate ribs mounted in succession. These tunnel ribs are used where there are architectural bottlenecks or to conceal disruptive structural elements. Since the exhibition path leads through constantly changing spatial impressions, including stairways and distracting elevators, the entire 243-meter-long pass ascent has been covered with a black film resembling a tar surface—a visually striking element that mimics a road. A typical feature of famous cycling races is the ground markings of advertising slogans and enthusiastic cheers for cycling idols. These can also be found on the floor covering here, sometimes with a slightly ironic touch. To illustrate the hazards of mountain pass roads, we have introduced a detour: the usual, direct, and shorter stair ascent is symbolically blocked due to the danger of rockfall and avalanches, forcing visitors to take the longer route through the remise. As a connecting element, we used the cartographic route layouts of famous passes. The characteristic lines and curves of the eight depicted passes were traced with a series of historical postcard views and photographs and printed onto panels measuring 4 to 5 meters in length. This interpretive key element is preceded by the exhibition text, designed in the form and typography of a road sign. Posters, maps, large-format photographs on the walls, exhibits in display cases, and freestanding large objects on pedestals are combined into thematic units.
While most exhibits are displayed in the two remise rooms, the partially covered and partially open-air exhibition path is equipped with large prints, scenographic elements, and interactive features. Game stations encourage visitor participation. At each of the eight passes, there is a stamp station where visitors can find a distinctive element of the respective pass and stamp it into their exhibition folder with the correct name of the pass. Correctly completed folders can be redeemed at the reception of the Touriseum at the end of the exhibition for a small souvenir—high up at the summit of the "Passo Touriseum, 375 m above sea level." For cyclists and motorcyclists, additional interactive stations are available in the remise. Bikers can hop onto a motorcycle, rev the engine, and ride a pass route—complete with roaring sound effects. Cycling enthusiasts, on the other hand, can pedal up a steep incline while a convoy of cars slowly follows behind them. They may be the slowest on the way up, but on the descent, they are nearly impossible to catch! A speed box awaits visitors who move too fast along the route, while historic and modern guard stones flank the path. Black-and-white arrows warn of sharp turns. In the courtyard in front of the remise, a grand hotel garage is displayed, featuring a meticulously polished vintage car.
Once visitors reach the summit of the pass, they are greeted by the obligatory photo stop. Following the motto "I was here too," the photo stop is an essential part of any pass journey—and, of course, of this exhibition. Three T-shirts with different motifs (hiker, cyclist, biker) are available as cut-out figures for visitors to stand behind and take pictures. The background features the iconic road sign: "Touriseum Pass, 375 m above sea level." Mountain passes are transitions and can naturally be reached from two sides—just like this exhibition. For those entering from above, through the gardens into the castle courtyard, the special exhibition has also been designed in reverse. Visitors start at the highest pass and experience the journey across all eight passes downward toward the exit.
