The Best Museums to Visit in Vienna, Austria

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city renowned for its cultural heritage and impressive museum options. With over 100 museums scattered throughout the city, Vienna offers an extraordinary diversity of cultural and historical experiences. These museums range from world-class art galleries and historical museums to unique specialized collections that cater to nearly every imaginable interest.

The city's museums can be broadly categorized into several types, and I have used these categories to organize the museums in this post. Art museums form a significant category, ranging from classical fine art collections like the Kunsthistorisches Museum to contemporary art spaces such as the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK). Historical museums offer deep insights into various periods, including the Wien Museum chronicling the city's history.   Biographical museums like the Mozart House and Sigmund Freud Museum offer intimate looks into the lives of famous personalities. Palaces in Vienna serve a dual purpose as both historical sites and museums, presenting visitors with extraordinary opportunities to explore imperial life and architectural grandeur. Specialized institutions like the clock museum or the chocolate museum make up the last category and offer museums for more specific or narrow interests.

When it comes to admission, Vienna's museums have varying pricing structures. Many museums charge entry fees, with prices typically ranging from 10 to 20 euros for adults. However, several museums offer free or reduced-price days to make culture more accessible. Many museums offer free admission on the first Monday of each month, and most museums have reduced prices or free entry for students, seniors, and children. The Belvedere Museum offers free admission for children under 19, and some museums have special discount days or evening hours with reduced prices. It's worth noting that the MuseumsQuartier, a large complex of cultural institutions, often has special events and reduced entry fees during certain times of the year. For further information on each museum, head to their official websites. 

There are also combo tickets available as well as the Vienna City card or Vienna pass if you are planning on going to multiple museums or sites. Make sure to price them out to see if they are right for you. 

If you are not sure which museums are best for you, we will custom design your trip to include the best sights and activities based on your likes and interests. Schedule a call here.

Art Museums

Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts)

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of Vienna's most prestigious cultural institutions, housed in an incredibly ornate building that is itself a work of art with grand staircases, elaborate frescoes, and marble columns that reflect the imperial grandeur of Vienna's past. Constructed in 1891, the museum is home to an extraordinary collection of European art accumulated by the Habsburg monarchy over centuries. Its collections are particularly renowned for masterpieces by artists like Pieter Bruegel, Vermeer, Rubens, and Titian. The museum's Picture Gallery is considered one of the world's finest, featuring an extensive collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings. 

Belvedere Museum

The Belvedere art museum is actually made up of two magnificent Baroque palaces set in stunning gardens, now serving as one of the most important art museums in Austria. It is particularly famous for housing the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including his iconic work "The Kiss". The museum is divided into the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palace, each offering different artistic experiences. The Upper Belvedere primarily displays works of art from the medieval period to the early 20th century, with a strong focus on Austrian art. Its collections include works by artists like Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. The palace itself is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, designed by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt for Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18th century. The Lower Belvedere houses temporary exhibits.

MuseumsQuartier

Located in the heart of Vienna, the MuseumsQuartier is more than just an art museum. It is one of the largest cultural complexes in the world, transforming a former imperial horse stable into a vibrant cultural center. Spanning over 60,000 square meters, it houses multiple museums, including the Leopold Museum, which focuses on Austrian art, and the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK). The complex is not just a collection of museums but a dynamic cultural space that includes cafes, restaurants, performance spaces, and open areas where people can relax and engage with art. Its unique architectural design blends historic Baroque buildings with contemporary modern structures. The MuseumsQuartier hosts numerous special exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year, making it a living, breathing cultural hub.

Museum of Applied Arts/Contemporary Arts (MAK)

The MAK (Museum für angewandte Kunst) is dedicated to applied arts, design, and contemporary art. Established in 1863, it was originally conceived as a model factory and school to improve the quality of Austrian crafts and industrial design. Today, it showcases an extensive collection of decorative arts from various periods, including furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork, and textiles. The museum is particularly known for its collections of Austrian and international design, Art Nouveau pieces, and contemporary exhibitions and art installations. Its approach goes beyond traditional museum displays, often creating innovative exhibitions that challenge visitors' perceptions of art, design, and craft. The building itself, located on the Ringstrasse, is a historical landmark that blends 19th-century architecture with contemporary design interventions.

Albertina Museum

The Albertina is one of the world's most significant museums featuring graphic art, housing approximately 65,000 drawings and around 1 million prints from various historical periods. Located in a former Habsburg palace, the museum is named after its founder, Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen. Its collection includes works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dürer, and Rembrandt. Beyond its graphic arts collection, the Albertina has expanded to include modern and contemporary art, with significant collections of works by artists like Monet, Picasso, and Warhol. The museum's recent renovations have transformed it into a modern art space while preserving its historical architectural beauty. There are also state rooms to explore.

Kunsthaus Wien

Designed by the famous Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the Kunsthaus Wien is itself a work of art, featuring his characteristic colorful, organic architectural style with uneven floors, trees growing inside the building, and a facade adorned with vibrant colors and unusual shapes. The museum primarily focuses on temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, and design, with a particular emphasis on works that challenge traditional artistic conventions. Hundertwasser's own philosophy of art and architecture is deeply embedded in the museum's identity, showcasing his belief in organic forms, environmental consciousness, and rejection of straight lines and monotonous design. The building stands as a stark contrast to Vienna's more classical architectural landscape, representing a bold, creative approach to museum design.

History Museums

Wien Museum

The Wien Museum is dedicated to the comprehensive history of Vienna, tracing the city's development from its earliest settlements to the present day. Located in the heart of the city, it offers visitors a deep dive into Vienna's rich cultural, social, and political past through extensive historical collections, artifacts, photographs, and multimedia displays. The museum covers various periods of Vienna's history, including its Roman origins, medieval development, imperial era, and modern times. Visitors can explore exhibitions that showcase the city's transformation, its famous residents, artistic movements, and social changes. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that provide deeper insights into specific aspects of Viennese history and culture, making it an essential destination for those wanting to understand the city's complex historical narrative.

Habsburg Museum of Furniture (Hofmobiliendepot)

The Habsburg Museum of Furniture, also known as the Imperial Furniture Collection, is a fascinating museum that offers a unique glimpse into the royal living spaces and design aesthetics of the Habsburg monarchy. Located in a former imperial warehouse, the museum houses an extensive collection of furniture, decorative objects, and interior design pieces from the Habsburg era. Visitors can explore meticulously preserved royal furniture from various periods, including elaborate state beds, intricate dining room sets, and personal items that belonged to imperial family members. The museum not only displays furniture but also tells the story of imperial life, court customs, and the evolution of interior design from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Its collection provides insight into the artistic and cultural preferences of one of Europe's most powerful royal dynasties.

Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum)

Situated in a magnificent Arsenal building, the Museum of Military History is one of the most comprehensive military museums in Europe. The museum chronicles Austria's military history from the 16th century to the present day, with extensive exhibits covering the Habsburg Empire's military campaigns, both World Wars, and Austria's modern military role. Its collection includes an impressive array of weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and historical artifacts that provide a detailed narrative of military technology, strategy, and social impact. Notable exhibits include the car in which Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, which sparked World War I, and displays documenting the complex military history of the Habsburg Empire. The museum offers a nuanced approach to military history, exploring not just battles and technologies, but also the human stories behind military conflicts.

Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum in Vienna is dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich history of Jewish life in Austria, with a particular focus on Vienna's Jewish community before, during, and after the Holocaust. Located in two historic buildings, the museum offers comprehensive exhibitions that explore the cultural, social, and intellectual contributions of Jews to Viennese and Austrian society. Through carefully curated displays of artifacts, photographs, personal stories, and multimedia presentations, the museum provides a nuanced view of Jewish history, from the medieval period to the present day. It addresses the community's vibrant cultural life, the devastating impact of Nazi persecution, and the process of remembrance and reconciliation. The museum not only commemorates the tragedies of the past but also celebrates the resilience and ongoing cultural contributions of the Jewish community in Vienna.

Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art (Österreichisches Museum für Volkskunde)

This museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich cultural heritage of Austrian folk traditions. Located in a historic building, it offers comprehensive exhibits about rural and urban life, traditional customs, clothing, crafts, and social practices from various regions of Austria. The museum goes beyond simple display, providing deep contextual information about how different communities lived, worked, and celebrated throughout history. Exhibits include traditional costumes, household items, agricultural tools, and documentation of folk traditions like festivals, marriages, and seasonal celebrations. The museum plays a crucial role in preserving and understanding Austria's cultural diversity, showing how folk traditions have evolved and continue to influence contemporary Austrian society.

The Third Man Museum and Post-War Vienna

Dedicated to the classic 1949 film "The Third Man" and the post-World War II era of Vienna, this unique museum provides a deep dive into the city's complex history during the post-war occupation period. The museum is entirely dedicated to the famous film, which was set in the divided, occupied Vienna of the late 1940s. It displays props, memorabilia, and extensive documentation about the film, its making, and the historical context of post-war Vienna. Visitors can explore exhibits about the four-power occupation of Vienna, the film's production, and the cultural atmosphere of the time. The museum offers a fascinating look at a critical period in Vienna's history, showcasing how the city was divided between Allied powers and the challenges faced by its residents during this tumultuous time.

Biographical Museums

Mozart House 

Located in the Domgasse, the Mozart House (Mozarthaus) is where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived from 1784 to 1787, during one of the most productive periods of his musical career. Although the original house has been significantly altered over the centuries, the museum offers a comprehensive look into one of the word's great composers during his life in Vienna. Visitors can explore reconstructed rooms that provide a sense of the composer's living conditions and working environment during the height of his compositional prowess. The museum uses multimedia presentations, original documents, and personal artifacts to tell the story of Mozart's life, his musical compositions, and his significance in Vienna's cultural landscape. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to understand the social and musical context of Mozart's time, making it a fascinating destination for music lovers and history enthusiasts.

Beethoven Museum

Situated in Heiligenstadt, a district of Vienna, the Beethoven Museum is located in the house where Ludwig van Beethoven lived during a critical period of his life, particularly when he was coming to terms with his increasing hearing loss. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of this legendary composer, displaying original manuscripts, instruments, personal belongings, and detailed documentation of his life in Vienna. Visitors can explore the rooms where Beethoven lived and worked, gaining intimate insights into his personal struggles and musical genius. The museum provides a chronological journey through Beethoven's life, highlighting his most significant compositions, his revolutionary approach to music, and the profound impact he had on classical music. Interactive displays and audio installations allow visitors to experience Beethoven's music and understand his artistic journey.

Sigmund Freud House

The Sigmund Freud Museum is located in the apartment where the famous psychoanalyst lived and worked for nearly 50 years before being forced to flee Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938. The museum preserves Freud's original consulting room and waiting room, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the environment where he developed many of his groundbreaking psychological theories. Exhibits include original furniture, personal belongings, books, and documents that provide insights into Freud's professional and personal life. The museum chronicles Freud's development of psychoanalysis, his revolutionary theories about the human psyche, and his significant impact on understanding human behavior and mental health. While much of his original furniture and possessions were lost when he emigrated, the museum has carefully reconstructed and documented his living and working spaces, creating a powerful memorial to one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.

Sisi Museum in Vienna

Located within the Hofburg Palace, the Sisi Museum is entirely dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, popularly known as Sisi, one of the most fascinating and tragic figures in Austrian history. The museum offers an intimate and comprehensive look at the life of this iconic empress, known for her beauty, rebellious spirit, and ultimately tragic fate. Through personal artifacts, clothing, photographs, and multimedia exhibits, visitors can explore Sisi's complex life, from her early years as a Bavarian duchess to her role as empress, her struggles with court life, her extensive travels, and her eventual assassination in 1898. The museum goes beyond the romanticized image often portrayed in popular culture, presenting a nuanced portrait of a woman who was simultaneously a symbol of imperial grandeur and a deeply troubled individual. Personal items like her elaborate riding attire, beauty implements, and memorial objects provide a deeply personal glimpse into her life.

Palaces

Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace is a massive imperial complex that served as the center of the Habsburg Empire for centuries and continues to be a significant political and cultural center of Austria. Located in the heart of Vienna, this sprawling architectural marvel encompasses multiple buildings from different historical periods, reflecting the changing architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque to Neoclassical. Today, it houses several important institutions, including the offices of the Austrian President, multiple museums, and the famous Spanish Riding School. Visitors can explore various sections of the palace, including the Imperial Apartments, which showcase the luxurious living spaces of the Habsburg rulers, the Sisi Museum dedicated to Empress Elisabeth, and the Imperial Silver Collection. The palace complex also includes beautiful gardens, courtyards, and numerous historical artifacts that tell the story of the Habsburg monarchy's power and influence.

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in Austria. This magnificent Baroque Imperial palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and is often compared to Versailles in its grandeur and complexity. The palace boasts 1,441 rooms, though not all are open to the public. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored Imperial Apartments, which provide insight into the daily life of the Habsburg monarchs, including Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph. The palace is surrounded by extensive gardens that include a beautiful Baroque garden, a maze, a palm house, and the world's oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn. Each room of the palace tells a story of imperial life, decorated with original furniture, artwork, and architectural details that reflect the power and cultural sophistication of the Habsburg Empire.

Specialty Museums

House of Music (Haus der Musik)

An interactive and innovative museum dedicated to the rich musical heritage of Vienna, the House of Music offers a multimedia experience that goes far beyond traditional museum exhibitions. Located in the city center, it provides visitors with immersive experiences in music creation, sound exploration, and the history of classical music. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to conduct a virtual orchestra, create their own musical compositions, and explore the physics of sound. The museum pays special tribute to Vienna's most famous composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, with dedicated sections that explore their lives and musical innovations. It's a modern, engaging museum that makes music accessible and exciting for visitors of all ages, combining education with entertainment.

Vienna Clock Museum (Uhrenmuseum)

Nestled in a historic building, the Vienna Clock Museum is a treasure trove of timepieces that tells the story of clock and watch-making from the 15th century to the present day. The museum's collection includes over 1,000 timepieces, ranging from simple mechanical clocks to elaborate astronomical and decorative pieces. Visitors can explore the evolution of timekeeping technology, with exhibits showcasing tower clocks, pocket watches, precision instruments, and ornate domestic timepieces. The museum pays special attention to Vienna's rich tradition of clock-making, highlighting the city's importance in the development of precision timekeeping. Interactive displays and detailed explanations help visitors understand the complex mechanics and artistic craftsmanship behind these fascinating devices.

Vienna Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)

A relatively new addition to Vienna's museum landscape, the Vienna Chocolate Museum offers a delightful journey through the history of chocolate, with a particular focus on Austria's chocolate-making traditions. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that trace the origin of chocolate, from its ancient Mesoamerican roots to its introduction to Europe and its development as a refined confectionery. The museum provides insights into chocolate production processes, the cultural significance of chocolate, and Austria's specific contributions to chocolate-making. Interactive experiences include chocolate-making demonstrations, opportunities to create personal chocolate designs, and tastings that allow visitors to experience different types of chocolates. It's a sensory museum that combines historical education with the pure pleasure of chocolate.

Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum)

The Natural History Museum in Vienna is one of the most significant natural science museums in the world, housed in a stunning Neo-Renaissance building that is itself a masterpiece of architecture. Established in 1889, the museum is home to an extraordinary collection of over 30 million specimens, spanning geology, paleontology, botany, and zoology. Its most famous exhibit is the Venus of Willendorf, a prehistoric Venus figurine dating back 30,000 years, which is considered one of the oldest known representations of the human form. The museum's dinosaur hall features impressive fossil collections, including complete skeletal reconstructions of prehistoric creatures. Interactive displays, dioramas, and meticulously preserved specimens allow visitors to explore the diversity of life on Earth, from microscopic organisms to massive prehistoric animals, making it a treasure trove of scientific discovery and natural wonder.

Funeral Museum (Bestattungsmuseum)

The Funeral Museum in Vienna is a small museum with a unique collection. It is dedicated to the history of funeral practices and death rituals. Located in the city's central cemetery administration building, the museum offers a fascinating and sometimes macabre exploration of how Viennese society has approached death and mourning throughout history. Exhibits include vintage funeral carriages, historical coffins, mourning clothing, and various tools and artifacts related to burial practices. The museum traces the evolution of funeral customs from the medieval period to the modern era, highlighting changes in societal attitudes towards death, burial rituals, and mourning practices. Visitors can learn about unusual historical funeral traditions, see examples of elaborate Victorian-era mourning customs, and gain insight into the cultural and social significance of how communities commemorate and remember their deceased.

Collection of Ancient Musical Instruments

Located within the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Collection of Ancient Musical Instruments (Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente) is a world-renowned repository of historical musical instruments that offers a comprehensive view of musical technology and artistry from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. The collection includes over 3,000 instruments from various periods and cultures, showcasing not just their musical function but also their incredible craftsmanship and artistic design. Visitors can explore intricate harpsichords, ornate wind instruments, rare string instruments, and unique mechanical musical devices. Many of these instruments belonged to the Habsburg imperial collection, reflecting the royal family's deep appreciation for music. The museum provides detailed insights into the evolution of musical instruments, the technical innovations in instrument making, and the cultural significance of music throughout European history.

Austrian Film Museum

The Austrian Film Museum (Österreichisches Filmmuseum) is a premier institution dedicated to the preservation, study, and celebration of cinematic art. Located in the heart of Vienna, the museum is renowned for its extensive archive of film prints, documentation, and research facilities. It houses one of the world's most significant film collections, with over 50,000 films from various periods and cultures. The museum goes beyond simple preservation, offering extensive programming that includes regular screenings, retrospectives, and educational programs about film history and theory. Its collection spans silent films, classic Hollywood cinema, experimental films, and works by Austrian filmmakers. The museum is particularly noted for its commitment to film restoration, its comprehensive research facilities, and its role in promoting film as an important art form. It provides visitors with a deep dive into the history of cinema, offering screenings, exhibitions, and scholarly resources that celebrate the art of filmmaking.

These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the museums available in Vienna. There is truly something that will pique the interest of every type of traveler. 

Ready to travel to Vienna? Contact me at stefanie@eurotravelsbydesign.com or schedule a call here, and I will custom create your perfect itinerary.