The extensive collection contains documents covering various phases in the construction of Austria’s largest church. Among the oldest items are the first design drawings by cathedral master builder Vincenz Statz, dating to around 1860.

Another significant group consists of the elaborate stained-glass window designs produced by the Tiroler Glasmalerei. These 1:1-scale drawings are particularly valuable, as many of the windows were destroyed during the Second World War. In the absence of photographic records, these drawings serve as the only source for potential reconstruction.

The archive also includes extensive correspondence, documenting exchanges between the cathedral construction committee and institutions such as the Tiroler Glasmalerei and the Imperial Household. These documents not only shed light on the bureaucratic and administrative aspects of the project but also reveal the artistic decision-making process.

In addition, the archive contains numerous plans created for internal use by the cathedral workshop. These documents provide insight into daily life on the building site and the level of precision required to construct such a monumental structure. Among the most striking are the detailed masonry plans, which illustrate the meticulous work of the stonemasons and the high standards involved in shaping each individual stone.

The archive covers not only the cathedral’s monumental outer structure but also includes a wide range of interior design drawings. These provide insight into the artistic and functional planning of many interior elements, from sacristy furnishings and tiled floors to chancel screens, chandeliers, and altars. The collection also includes design sketches for items in the cathedral treasury, such as the ornate ceremonial tools used for the laying of the foundation stone and the famous Bluemelhuber key.

One of the most valuable and oldest drawings in the plan archive is the elevation of the cathedral tower, dated 1861. The design was created by Vincenz Statz, the cathedral’s first master builder, while the execution of the drawing was carried out by Otto Schirmer, the head of the construction site. This plan is part of a series of designs that made such an impression on Bishop Rudigier that he commissioned Statz with the cathedral’s construction without requesting a single revision.

Measuring 325 cm in length, it is one of the largest and most elaborate documents in the archive. It was drawn in fine ink on paper, with the reverse side reinforced by a plain-weave canvas. A green decorative border frames the drawing, highlighting both its artistic precision and the high value of this exceptional document.

The digitisation of the historical holdings in the plan archive is of vital importance, not only for documenting the current condition of these fragile materials, but also for enabling broader access for both research and the general public. The plans are invaluable for understanding the cathedral, offering insight into the original designs as well as the precise execution of its construction. Through high-resolution imaging, these remarkable documents are now accessible to the public for the first time, opening up new perspectives on the history of this architectural masterpiece.