The 17 Best Museums in Vienna, Austria [2024]

Vienna is one of Europe’s most well-known cultural hubs. The city is home to world-renowned museums that showcase history and art from around the globe. Whether traveling solo or with your family, there’s a museum in the Austrian capital fit for your trip. Here’s a list of the best to help you plan your trip.

The Best Museums in Vienna

1. ALBERTINA Museum

ALBERTINA houses one of the largest collections of art in Europe. Since its opening, the facility has amassed over a million pieces, many of which are drawings and old master prints. Other mediums, like photography and paintings, are also housed in the museum and its archives.

The facility is divided into 5 collections, separated by medium. Since these collections are so large, only a fraction of the pieces are on view at any given time, and exhibitions are frequently rotated.

Some of the highlighted pieces in the Albertina are “The Water Lily Pond” by Claude Monet, “Woman in a Green Hat” by Pablo Picasso, and “Sleeping Woman With Flowers” by Marc Chagall. The facility represents all types of art. Notably, most modern art pieces are no longer displayed here and can be found at the museum’s second location, the ALBERTINA MODERN.

ALBERTINA is open Saturday through Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free for children under 19, €7 (~$7) for visitors with special needs, €15.90 (~$17) for young adults under 26 and seniors 65+, and €19.90 (~$21) for adults. The nearest bus stop is Albertinaplatz.

• Address: Albertinapl. 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

“The ALBERTINA Museum is definitely a hidden gem in Vienna! Located in the heart of the city, it combines imperial flair and fine art masterpieces. Yet, the ALBERTINA is not only one of the top museums in Austria, it’s name also represents one of the oldest, largest and most comprehensive collections of art in the world.”

Ines Groß-Weikhart, art education director, ALBERTINA

2. Beethoven Museum

Located in a small apartment where the celebrated composer once resided, the Beethoven Museum is dedicated to the music and life of Ludwig van Beethoven. The composer lived in this apartment in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it has been remarkably well preserved. It still houses some of Beethoven’s personal effects and furnishings.

The facility’s exhibits include musical instruments that Beethoven used to write some of his most famous pieces, original sheet music, correspondences, and other historical items. It also displays pieces inspired by Beethoven’s work, including works of art such as prints, paintings, and sculptures.

There are steps on the premises, and while the courtyard is accessible to everyone, those with mobility concerns should call ahead to make arrangements for moving around the museum.

Vienna’s Beethoven Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for visitors under 19, €6 (~$6) for those who qualify for reduced rates, and €8 (~$8) for adults. Fees are waived on the first Sunday of the month. The nearest tram stop is Hohe Warte.

• Address: Probusgasse 6, 1190 Wien, Austria

3. Belvedere

Housed in the Belvedere Palace, the Belvedere focuses entirely on Austrian art. Its oldest pieces date back to the Middle Ages, but artwork completed as recently as the 20th century is also on display.

Some of the most celebrated pieces at the Belvedere are “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt, “Portrait of Eduard Kosmack” by Egon Schiele, and “Rocky Landscape in the Elbsandsteingebirge” by Caspar David Friedrich, among thousands of others.

The space has expanded to accommodate 2 additional venues to exhibit more pieces than can be displayed at the palace museum. The Lower Belvedere houses many of the facility’s Medieval pieces, while Belvedere 21 houses most of the museum’s contemporary and modern art. Temporary exhibitions are held at all 3 locations.

Belvedere is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission ranges from €9.30 (~$10) to €19 (~$20), depending on the date, time, and galleries you’d like to visit. The nearest tram stop is Schloss Belvedere.

• Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria

4. Haus der Musik (House of Music)

Vienna’s House of Music opened in 2000 as the country’s first museum dedicated to music. Using multimedia displays and exhibits featuring instruments from around the world, the space educates visitors on the history and development of music through the ages.

Musicians, music theorists, and sound technicians developed the facility’s acoustics and layout for an optimal audio experience. In addition to hands-on exhibits with the latest immersive tech, the House of Music celebrates Austria’s most celebrated composers and musicians.

The museum regularly features temporary exhibitions and hosts concerts and festivals in various genres. Most of these concerts are family-friendly, and some are specifically aimed at children to help young kids foster an interest in music and the performing arts. These events require a separate ticket.

Vienna’s House of Music is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free for kids under 3, €7 (~$7) for kids 3 to 12, €13 (~$14) for students under 27, seniors 60+, civil servants, and military personnel, and €17 (~$18) for adults. The nearest tram stop is Schwarzenbergplatz.

• Address: Seilerstätte 30, 1010 Wien, Austria

5. Heeresgeschichtliches Museum (Museum of Military History)

Vienna’s Museum of Military History preserves the development of Austria’s Armed Forces. The museum has a well-documented timeline of the Austrian military, with various exhibits ranging from weapons to uniforms and photos.

The museum’s extensive collection is divided into 10 spaces that delve into Austria’s military history dating back to the 16th century. The tank garden showcases tanks and aircraft used by Austrian forces starting in 1955. You can see how cannons have changed over the years in the artillery hall.

Each year, the museum hosts a variety of events that attract thousands of visitors. The most popular is the Go Modeling event, which showcases scale models of military vehicles. The beloved Montur und Pulverdampf festival shows how uniforms and military strategy have changed since the Middle Ages.

Vienna’s Museum of Military History is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for visitors under 19, €5 (~$5) for those eligible for reduced tickets, and €7 (~$7) for the general public. The nearest tram stop is Heinrich Drimmel Platz.

• Address: Arsenal 1, 1030 Wien, Austria

6. Jüdisches Museum Wien (Jewish Museum of Vienna)

Founded in 1896, the Jewish Museum of Vienna was the first museum of its kind in the world to preserve and celebrate Jewish history and culture, especially in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The facility’s collection has grown to include thousands of artifacts from around the world.

The museum has 2 locations in Palais Eskeles and Judenplatz. Though it has a permanent collection on display, the Jewish Museum is well known for its full event schedule.

Discussions, workshops, lectures, and other activities are frequently hosted on-site. Many of these events are held primarily in German, but some are also available for English-speaking visitors. The space can be rented for private tours and events. An educational center, students can request access to the museum library and archives for research.

The museum is open Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free for Ukrainian nationals, holders of certain cultural cards, and children under 19. It’s €11 (~$12) for students under 27, €13 (~$14) for visitors with disabilities and seniors 65+, and €15 (~$16) for adults. The nearest metro stop is Stephansplatz.

• Address: Dorotheergasse 11, 1010 Wien, Austria

“Around 1900, Vienna was home to the third largest Jewish community in Europe. From the synagogue of the medieval community to the famous court Jew Samuel Oppenheimer and the Jewish salonières to Sigmund Freud and Theodor Herzl, our permanent exhibitions at 2 locations offer deep insights into Vienna’s Jewish history.”

Barbara Staudinger, director, Jewish Museum of Vienna

7. Kaiserlichen Schatzkammer (Imperial Treasury Vienna)

The Imperial Treasury Vienna at the Hofburg Palace houses one of the country’s most valuable collections of secular and religious treasures. While many of the museum’s artifacts are Austrian, more than 1,000 are from greater Europe.

The museum has 2 collections within 21 exhibit rooms. The first collection consists of secular artifacts, including cloaks and crowns. The other collection shares religious pieces, such as altars, relic boxes, and gilded scriptures.

Some of the collection’s most beloved items were used by the country’s royalty, such as the crown, orb, and scepter used by the Emperor. Most people choose to explore the museum individually using an audio guide, but guided tours are available for a more in-depth experience.

The museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free for visitors under 19, €12 (~$13) for students under 26, seniors, visitors with special needs, unemployed visitors, social service workers, and military personnel, and €16 (~$17) for adults. The nearest bus stop is Habsburgergasse.

• Address: Schweizerhof, Hofburg, 1010 Wien, Austria

8. Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien is Vienna’s premier fine arts and art history museum. With over 17,000 objects and 5 collections, it’s the country’s largest art museum. Many pieces are from Europe, but notable pieces are from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.

Some of the museum’s most notable works of art are “The Hunters in the Snow” by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, “The Crowning with Thorns” by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, and “Self Portrait” by Rembrandt. Paintings make up the majority of the collection, but sculptures, ornate household items, and even architecture are also showcased at the museum.

Special and temporary exhibitions delve into specific art periods by showcasing archived pieces and items on loan from other collections around Austria and the world.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on Thursday. Admission is free for visitors under 19, €18 (~$19) for students under 26, seniors, visitors with special needs, social service workers, the unemployed, and military personnel, and €21 (~$22) for adults. The nearest metro stop is Museumsquartier.

• Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria

9. Leopold Museum

The Leopold Museum is one of Austria’s most celebrated art spaces and houses one of the largest collections of modern art from Austrian artists.

The museum features works from dozens of Austrian artists, the majority of whom worked during the first half of the 20th century. It has the most extensive collection of Egon Schiele’s work in the world.

Some of the most important pieces in the gallery are “Death and Life” by Gustav Klimt, “Portrait of Wally Neuzil” by Egon Schiele, and “Tre Croci-Dolomite Landscape” by Oskar Kokoschka.

Special exhibitions typically showcase particular artists or periods of Austria’s art history. Photography is permitted, but all cameras must be handheld, without flash, and used without the assistance of tripods, selfie sticks, or other equipment.

Leopold Museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free for kids under 7, €2.50 (~$3) for visitors under 19, €14 (~$15) for visitors under 26 and seniors 65+, and €17 (~$18) for adults. The nearest metro stop is Museumsquartier.

• Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria

“The Leopold Museum’s impressive Vienna 1900 presentation immerses visitors in the unique atmosphere of a vibrant time full of innovation with masterpieces of Art Nouveau and Expressionism. On display are paintings by major representatives of modernism such as Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, and Egon Schiele, as well as exquisite arts and crafts objects by Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann, and many more.”

Hans-Peter Wipplinger, director, Leopold Museum

10. Mumok

Founded in 1962, Mumok’s collection includes over 10,000 pieces from some of the world’s most important artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. Mumok’s main collection is divided into classical modernism, contemporary art, and Viennese Actionism.

Some highlighted pieces are “Aktion, fur Stan Brakhage” by Hermann Nitsch, “Homme Accroupi” by Andre Derain, and “Angelo View Drive” by Dorit Margreiter. While paintings are the most common types of art on-site, statutes, sketches, photographs, and even videos are also part of the museum’s collection.

Temporary exhibitions often feature contemporary artists from around the world. Talks and panels with artists are another frequent part of the Mumok calendar.

Mumok is open Tuesday through Sunday and on public holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free for anyone 19 and under, annual passholders, and those with qualifying Vienna passes and cards. Reduced admission is €8 from June 7 to July 4, 2024, and €11.50 starting July 5 for people with special needs, seniors 65 and up or with a senior citizen ID, students 27 and under, the unemployed, and civil service/conscript service personnel. Admission is €10 from June 7 to July 4, 2024, and €15 starting July 5. The nearest metro stop is Volkstheater.

• Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria

11. Museum für angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts)

Vienna’s Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) is one of the country’s most important contemporary art spaces, though it also focuses greatly on arts and crafts.

The MAK collection has grown to include over 300,000 items, though only a fraction of these pieces are on view at any given time. The space frequently rotates its galleries and has one of the world’s largest online museum collections.

The museum’s 8 permanent collections range from Asian art to Baroque Rococo Classicism. Some of the most notable pieces in the collection are “Toy Theater” by Franz von Zulow, “The Cooked Kitchen” by Roman Breier, and a 16th-century cap and hood from Italy. Temporary exhibits display pieces from the archives and on loan from other facilities.

MAK is open Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free for children under 19, people with disabilities, and students at select universities, €13.50 (~$14) for students under 27, seniors 65+, military personnel, and civil servants, and €16.50 (~$17) for adults. Tickets are €1 cheaper online. The nearest metro stop is Stubentor.

• Address: Stubenring 5, 1010 Wien, Austria

12. Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (Museum of Natural History Vienna)

Museum of Natural History Vienna (NHM) is one of the country’s leading spaces for natural science education and research. Up to 60 scientists conduct research at the museum, which houses over 30 million objects and artifacts. The facility explores topics from life science to cultural history.

The museum has 14 permanent exhibit spaces spread across 3 floors. NHM’s bottom floor focuses mostly on prehistory, anthropology, and geology, though early fossils and even dinosaurs are also in the permanent exhibit.

The other 2 floors showcase the space’s wildlife exhibits, which include mollusks and mammals. Some highlights include a model of an allosaurus, a diorama of a typical wetland pond, and the only known specimen of a whip spider found in Europe. Temporary exhibitions are also regularly hosted at the facility.

The museum is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free for journalists and children under 19, €14 (~$15) for visitors under 25, seniors 65+, and visitors with disabilities, and €18 (~$19) for adults. The nearest metro stop is Volkstheater.

• Address: Burgring 7, 1010 Wien, Austria

13. Schönbrunn Palace

Historically, Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the House of Habsburg. The massive 1,441-room palace is one of Austria’s most important examples of Baroque architecture. Even its gardens are historic, showcasing over 300 years of style and interest. Some of the most beloved spots on the palace grounds are the Palm House, Columbary, and Roman ruins.

The museum offers 3 tours: the Grand Tour, the Imperial Tour, and the State Apartments. Each option allows access to a set number of rooms preserved with authentic historical furnishings, many of which belonged to the Habsburgs.

In addition to palace tours, Schönbrunn hosts various events each year. The space is particularly popular as a concert venue. Photography is welcome, but the use of flash, tripods, or other equipment isn’t allowed to preserve the integrity of the palace.

Schönbrunn Palace is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets vary from €5.50 (~$6) to €57 (~$60), depending on the tour selected. The nearest metro stop is Schönbrunn.

• Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

14. Sigmund Freud Museum

Vienna’s Sigmund Freud Museum is a home museum located where the famed psychologist lived and worked for nearly 50 years. Considered the birthplace of psychoanalysis, the space has largely been untouched since 1938, when Freud fled Vienna. Recently, the museum expanded its exhibition spaces to include the family rooms and the practice studios used by both Sigmund and Anna Freud.

Many of the museum’s key artifacts are the personal items and furnishings used by the Freuds, but the space also incorporates works of art inspired by Freud’s work and theories.

Temporary exhibitions and events, often hosted in collaboration with other Austrian and international facilities, tend to focus on art and culture and their relationship to psychoanalysis. Though guided tours are available in English, most special tours and events are only held in German.

The Sigmund Freud Museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free for members and kids under 12, €5.50 for students under 18, €9.50 (~$10) for students under 27, €11 (~$12) for seniors 65+ and visitors with disabilities, and €15 (~$16) for adults. The nearest tram stop is Schlickgasse.

• Address: Berggasse 19, 1090 Wien, Austria

15. Sisi Museum

Empress Sisi is perhaps one of the most famous members of the Habsburg dynasty, making the Sisi Museum one of Vienna’s most popular facilities. Since the current space opened in 2004, a number of Sisi’s personal items have been on display to create elaborate exhibits that help visitors learn more about her life as a royal.

The palace museum has 6 spaces, which together display 300 items. Assassination, dedicated to the events surrounding her death, is one of the most fascinating, as is the Sisi Myth gallery, which delves into her popularity both during her life and in the years since her death. 

The museum highlights include a life-size statue of the empress and a selection of gowns she wore while at court. Due to the delicate nature of some of the museum’s effects, large bags or backpacks aren’t allowed in the exhibits.

Sisi Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free for kids under 6, €12 (~$13) for youths, and €19.50 (~$21) for adults. The nearest bus stop is Michaelerplatz.

• Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien, Austria

16. Technisches Museum Wien (Vienna Museum of Science & Technology)

Since its opening in 1918, the Vienna Museum of Science & Technology has grown to be the country’s largest museum of its kind. It’s divided into 9 permanent exhibits, which explore fields ranging from how critical research is to mass production and the basics of astronomy and physics.

This museum is designed for visitors of all ages. It combines traditional displays with hands-on exhibits to create an immersive experience for people with all levels of scientific knowledge.

Though all types of science are explored at the facility, technology is central to nearly all the galleries. Some of the highlights from the museum include the first wearable prosthetics, games, and even agricultural tools that brought technology and engineering into people’s everyday lives. Most information at the museum is available in English and German.

Vienna Museum of Science & Technology is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free for kids under 19, €5 (~$5) for visitors with disabilities, €14.50 (~$15) for students and military personnel 19-26, and €16 (~$17) for adults. The nearest tram stop is Penzinger Straße.

• Address:Mariahilfer Str. 212, 1140 Wien, Austria

17. ZOOM Kindermuseum (ZOOM Children’s Museum)

ZOOM Kindermuseum is one of Vienna’s most popular spots among local and visiting families. Thanks to its interactive exhibits, this children’s museum can inspire creativity and an interest in learning in kids of all ages.

There are 4 workshops at ZOOM aimed at children aged 8 months to 12 years. The ages for each area are clearly marked so parents can choose the appropriate exhibits:

• Welcome to the Future is a periodic exhibition that theorizes what the world will look like in a few years.
• ZOOM’s animated film studio introduces kids to the world of filmmaking by letting them experiment with technology and create their own animated productions.
• ZOOM Ocean teaches children about the ocean on imaginary adventures under the sea. 
• What? Wax! focuses entirely on wax and its use in art, science, and everyday objects.

ZOOM Kindermuseum is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Admission is generally €6.50 (~$7) per person per exhibit, but prices vary depending on the areas selected. The nearest metro stop is Museumsquartier.

• Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria

“In autumn 2024 the ZOOM Children’s Museum will celebrate its 30th anniversary, underlining the central importance of the museum for all children in town. ZOOM is a lively, artistic and colourful place where children can play, discover and explore.”

Andrea Zsutty, director, ZOOM Children’s Museum

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Vienna Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. Another option is available.

The Vienna PASS offers holders free and skip-the-line access to up to 90 attractions as well as hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours. Sites participating in the Vienna PASS program include the ALBERTINA, the Beethoven Museum, the Belvedere 21, the Forchtenstein Castle, the Dom Museum, and more. Adult passes start at €80 (~$85) for a 1 day pass.

Participation is subject to change; please verify participating museums and entry conditions before your visit.

Final Thoughts

From music and art to science and history, Vienna’s museums have something for everyone. We hope this list has helped kick-start your travel planning so you know which of the city’s museums deserve a spot at the top of your itinerary.