Museums
The newly reopened Wien Museum is one of the best ways to get under the skin of Vienna. Located at Karlsplatz, right next to the Karlskirche, this sleek and smartly redesigned city museum is now a must-see, not just for history buffs, but for anyone who wants to understand Vienna’s identity through the centuries.
Vienna, From Roman Camp to World Capital
The permanent exhibition takes you on a journey from Vienna’s ancient roots as a Roman military outpost to the modern metropolis it is today. Through interactive displays, historic objects, original documents, and multimedia installations, you’ll get a feel for how the city evolved politically, culturally, and socially.
There’s something deeply human about it all: a medieval sword next to a 1960s protest poster, a Biedermeier dress followed by wartime ration cards. It’s not just a timeline. It’s a living, breathing story of the people who shaped Vienna.
Art, Architecture, and Everyday Life
The museum isn’t only about events and dates. It also shines in its collection of fine and applied art with pieces by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka featured in a Viennese context, alongside stunning examples of early photography and furniture design. You’ll see how architecture and urban planning transformed Vienna into one of Europe’s most elegant cities.
Family-Friendly and Smartly Curated
Everything is curated with clarity and thought. There are play corners and tactile stations for kids, seating throughout, and impressive city views from the upper floors. Temporary exhibitions dig deeper into niche parts of Viennese culture. From coffeehouses to counterculture.
Plan Your Visit
- Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the full permanent exhibition. Longer with temporary shows.
- All content is available in English and German.
- The rooftop café is a hidden gem, with fantastic views of Karlsplatz and the Karlskirche.
Visitor Info
- Address: Wien Museum, Karlsplatz 8, 1040 Vienna, Austria
- Opening Hours: The Wien Museum on Karlsplatz is open from Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 am-6 pm, Thursday, 9 am-9 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-6pm.
- Website: www.wienmuseum.at
- Public Transport: U1/U2/U4 Karlsplatz, trams 1, 62, D
Want to know Vienna from the inside out? The new Wien Museum gives you the full picture: personal, political, artistic, all in one stop.