Geramb had been interested in "Rauchstuben" since the beginning of the 20th century - especially their prevalence in the Eastern Alpine region. His intention was to showcase rural life in ‘simple living rooms, not splendid parlours’ in the Folk Life Museum and bring it closer to the urban public. However, this was not to take the form of a reconstruction, but rather the dismantling and rebuilding of an original parlour. The Styrian local poet and country doctor Hans Kloepfer finally drew his attention to a suitable object in Oberrohrbach on the Pack. In an elaborate and adventurous ‘expedition’ - as Geramb himself described it - the parlour was measured, documented, properly dismantled and transported to Graz on sledges. The effort involved was enormous: servants, horses and sledges were subjected to a tremendous test of strength.

The smoking parlour was then rebuilt in the museum according to the original model and furnished to reflect the living conditions of the time in order to bring visitors as close and unvarnished as possible to the past.

The room is a document of former rural life: people cooked, baked and ate here. Provisions were smoked and dried and fodder was prepared for the cattle. People also bathed, slept, prayed, argued and loved here. It also served as a chamber for the maid, a nursery or a sick room.

The unique atmosphere also invites you to host special events in it, such as the fairytale sessions during Advent or the readings as part of the Advent walks.