Schwarzenegger inaugurates his museum in Austria

With Schwarzenegger was Patrick, one of his sons from his marriage with Shriver, and in fleeting reference to happier times, Schwarzenegger described "the wedding with Maria" as one of the days "that I remember with great fondness."

Even before his private life came up for criticism, however, Schwarzenegger's cult status in Austria took some knocks because of his support of the Iraq war and the death penalty as California's governor.

Criticism grew after he refused to pardon two convicted murderers in a row in 2005. He was so upset by the disapproval that he sent back the ring of honor he received from Graz — the Austrian city where he spent his youth — and demanded officials strip his name from the city's soccer stadium.

Since then, the mood has swung back to adulation — and Friday's speeches reflected that. Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann, who opened the ceremonies, described Schwarzenegger as "one Austrian known by everyone in the world," adding: "We as Austrians are proud of you."

But not all in the crowd were totally uncritical.