Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum Opens in Austria

Posted July 30th, 2011 at 3:25 pm (UTC-5)
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A small museum dedicated to the life of bodybuilder, actor, and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is opening Saturday in his hometown of Thal, Austria.

Schwarzenegger is not in Austria for the opening, which coincides with his 64th birthday. But organizers say they will hold a grand opening ceremony at a future date when Schwarzenegger can attend.

The museum is in the yellow two-story house where Schwarzenegger grew up. Exhibits include what are believed to be his first set of training weights and the desk he used as California governor.

Schwarzenegger began his career as a bodybuilder, advancing to worldwide fame. He then began an acting career in American films, achieving the most success in action movies such as Conan the Barbarian and the Terminator series.

A naturalized U.S. citizen, Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver, a member of the well-known Kennedy family that has participated in U.S. politics for decades. He won the governorship of the west-coast state of California in 2003 and served until 2011.

In recent months Schwarzenegger's attempt to return to acting has been overshadowed by an infidelity scandal and a high-profile divorce from Shriver.