Sissi Museum in Vienna: Inside the World of Princess Sissi at the Hofburg Palace

Discover Princess Sissi

Step into the elegant and mysterious world of Austria’s most beloved royal figure at the Sissi Museum in Vienna. Located within the grand Hofburg Palace, this museum gives visitors a rare glimpse into the private life, personal belongings, and legacy of Princess Sissi — Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Whether you’re fascinated by history, fashion, or royal mythology, the Sissi Palace offers one of Vienna’s most iconic cultural experiences.
 

What Is the Sissi Museum in Vienna?

The Sissi Museum is a permanent exhibition dedicated to Empress Elisabeth — better known as Princess Sissi — located inside the Imperial Apartments of the Hofburg Sissi wing. Unlike traditional imperial exhibits, this museum goes beyond titles and tiaras. It focuses on Sissi’s private world: from her beauty rituals and personal correspondence to the tragic events that shaped her life and image.

Among the 300+ artefacts on display, you’ll see Sissi’s travelling medicine chest, her mourning veil, parasols, gloves, and even the empress’s original death mask. This exhibition contrasts the romanticised myth of Sissi with the reality of her isolated and highly scrutinised life at court.

The museum is part of the popular Sisi Ticket, which includes access to Schönbrunn Palace and the Imperial Furniture Museum — offering a full picture of Habsburg life through Sissi’s eyes.
 

Who Was Princess Sissi?

Princess Sissi, born Elisabeth of Bavaria in 1837, became Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary after marrying Emperor Franz Joseph I at just 16 years old. Although celebrated for her beauty and charisma, Sissi lived a turbulent life. She struggled with court life, intense public scrutiny, personal loss, and long periods of depression and self-imposed exile.

Despite (or perhaps because of) her inner battles, Sissi became a cultural icon — a free spirit ahead of her time who valued independence and intellect over conformity. Her legacy lives on in film, literature, and now, in one of Vienna’s most visited museums.
 

Touring the Sissi Palace: Hofburg Imperial Apartments

Visitors to the Sissi Palace don’t just view a museum — they walk through history. The full tour of the Hofburg Sissi apartments includes the Imperial Silver Collection, the Sissi Museum, and the Imperial Apartments themselves.

Here’s what you can expect to see:

• Imperial Silver Collection: Over 7,000 objects used in daily court life — from golden tableware to porcelain centrepieces.
• Sissi Museum: Personal effects, diaries, fashion items, and curated displays exploring Sissi’s myth and reality.
• Imperial Apartments: Lavishly decorated rooms including Franz Joseph’s audience chamber, Sissi’s dressing and writing rooms, and the imperial bedroom.

The apartment layout lets you experience the contrasts in their personalities: Franz Joseph’s simple, duty-focused chambers versus Sissi’s more romantic, private spaces.

For an expert-led experience, consider the Hofburg and Empress Sisi Museum Guided Tour, which provides insightful context and helps bring the rooms and objects to life.
 

Plan Your Visit to the Sissi Museum

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last admission: 4:30 PM). Hours may vary slightly in winter.

Tickets: Available on-site or online. You can choose a single admission or the Sisi Ticket, which includes:

• Imperial Apartments & Sissi Museum at Hofburg Palace
• Schönbrunn Palace Grand Tour
• Imperial Furniture Collection (Hofmobiliendepot)

Guided tours: Audio guides are available in multiple languages. For a richer experience, a professional guided tour is highly recommended.

Nearby Sights to Combine With Your Visit

• Spanish Riding School: See the famous Lipizzaner horses in action just a few steps from the Hofburg entrance.
• Volksgarten: A beautifully landscaped rose garden and quiet escape in the city center.
• Albertina Museum: Home to one of the world’s best drawing collections and rotating art exhibitions.