The Museum der Moderne Salzburg was created with the so-called “Schenkung Welz” (“Welz Donation”), a collection of modern graphic art. It opened in 1983 in the early Baroque palace of the former Catholic seminary the “Collegium Rupertinum” in the old city of Salzburg and was initially called the “Modern Gallery and Graphic Art Collection – Rupertinum.” Its founding director, Otto Breicha (1983–1998), expanded its collection by purchasing examples of Austrian photography. This part of the Museum’s collection, called the “Austrian photo gallery,” also includes holdings of the federal government. Under the directorship of Peter Weiermair (1998–2001), the Rupertinum’s program became more internationally oriented.