Vienna is one of those cities that, when you’re walking around the streets, you feel like you’ve walked out of an 18th century history textbook. The city does have a sleek and modern vibe, but they’ve managed to balance out the old and the new perfectly, and still clung onto that aristocratic, luxurious olden-day charm that Vienna should never, ever lose.
With all that history comes numerous great museums in Vienna, which you can learn about the history of the city and people who lived there. During our recent stay at Palais Hansen Kempinski Hotel we discovered three wonderful museums which we highly recommend. Of course there are many other wonderful museums to visit during your stay in Vienna, but these will get you started.
Sigmund Freud Museum
Set in the apartment with Freud himself lived and worked, this fascinating museums is packed full of his belongings, photographs, and documents from his studies. Considering the sheer magnitude of the work that Freud carried out over his lifetime, this is a not to miss attraction in Vienna, a testament to Freud’s incredible contribution to the psychoanalysis.
As you stroll through the various rooms within the apartment, you can see original furnishings from Freud’s home, such as the chairs laid out where his waiting room was, and the pictures he hung on his walls. The museum has expanded over the years as its popularity has grown. As well as the stunning permanent exhibitions here, there is an exclusive exhibition of photos going on display from October 2013 to January 2014, including photos of Freud’s grandson that have never been showcased before.
Belvedere Museum
Located in two magnificent 18th century palaces, the setting for the Belvedere is reason alone to take a visit to this museum. The Belvedere houses artwork from across the ages, and is most noted for having the largest collection of Gustav Klimt in the world. From medieval to baroque, impressionism, expressionism, and a fantastic collection of pieces from 1945 onwards, this museum has it all. The museum is constantly putting up new temporary exhibitions, so make sure you check out the website before a visit to Vienna, just to make sure you don’t miss something you really want to see.
MuseumsQuartier
We’re cheating a little bit with this one, but we admitted that this list would be difficult from the start! The MuseumsQuartier is one of the largest art and culture complexes in the world, and has numerous museums and exhibition halls within its ground. Okay, so we’re not pointing out many specifics here, but we are pointing you in the direction of where you can find plenty of different museums that you can pick and choose from.
The Leopold Museums is amongst the most famous of the quarter, and houses over 5,000 objects for you to see in Art Nouveau and Classical Modernist styles. There is also a museum that focuses on Austria’s contemporary dancers and performers, and an exhibition showcasing 21st century masterpieces. Along with all the cafes and restaurants dotted around this complex, you’ve got yourself the perfect museum space in the whole of Vienna.
For more information on the museums you will find in Vienna, visit www.vienna.info
Do you have any museum recommendations in Vienna?
Vienna is so beautiful…I am mostly an outdoor person, but I guess the museums you have mentioned have something interesting to offer 🙂
Renuka recently posted…You know you are in Sydney when…
The good news is walking around Vienna is like walking through a life size museum 😛
Michael Wright recently posted…A Dining Experience in Vienna Austria
The Sisi Museum at Hofburg Palace is an absolute must do.
Sisi, or Empress Elizabeth, was the wife of Franz Josef 1 of Austria who she married when she was only 16. She was very beautiful and strictly maintained her 20 inch (50 cm) waistline! The headstrong girl from Munich gained a reputation for rejecting court etiquette and being a bit of free-spirit. Her life was like a soap opera and these days she is a cult figure. The Sisi Museum houses hundreds of her personal belongings as well as a history of her fascinating life.
World Travelleri recently posted…The Unfinished Beauty of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia
thanks for the advice 🙂
Michael Wright recently posted…A Museum with a Difference Ballenberg Interlaken
What about Schmetterlingshouse? Its not really museum but its quite cool to walk around a tropic forest while buterflies are flying around!
Neli recently posted…Istanbul – part 2 – Close to God
Didn’t see that one. Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
Michael Wright recently posted…Stunning Vienna Austria in Photos
Do visit the museum at Schönbrunn, where they have an exhibition of all the carriages used by the royals 🙂
Majida recently posted…Weekly Photo Challenge: Inside- Lucerne’s Chapel bridge
Next time!
Michael Wright recently posted…Museums to Visit in Interlaken Switzerland
Schonbrunn Palace is an interesting palace with lots of Austrian history and stunning grounds. In December they have a Christmas market in the front garden. The tour of the palace is incredibly popular so we recommend that you book online in advance to get the time slot you want.
The Sisi Museum at Hofburg Palace is also an absolute must do. For a couple of extra euros you can get the guided tour – it’s well worth doing!!