Austrian Museum Of Folk Life And Folk Art

Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Essential Visitor Information (Vienna, Austria)

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art (Österreichisches Museum für Volkskunde) in Vienna is a leading institution dedicated to Austria’s rich folk traditions and social history. Founded in 1895 by ethnologists Michael Haberlandt and Wilhelm Hein, the museum stands as one of Europe’s pioneering folk culture museums, housing over 80,000 artifacts that span centuries of rural and urban life. Located in the Baroque Schönborn Garden Palace, the museum provides an immersive experience into Austria’s customs, crafts, religious rituals, and the evolving identities of its people (Österreichisches Museum für Volkskunde – Geschichte).

As Austria’s largest folk science museum, the institution preserves both tangible objects and intangible cultural practices—such as music, festivals, and craftsmanship—supporting UNESCO’s efforts in cultural preservation (UNESCO Austria). Currently, the museum is temporarily relocated to the Otto Wagner Areal due to major renovations (scheduled until mid-2026), but it remains open to visitors with updated hours and programs (Austrian Museum tickets).

Introduction
Historical Overview
Visiting the Museum: Practical Information
Schönborn Palace: Architectural Significance
Renovations and Temporary Relocation
Must-See Exhibits and Highlights
Visitor Facilities and Accessibility
Events and Educational Programs
Visitor Experience
Museum Shop and Nearby Cafés
FAQs
Visuals and Media Recommendations
Related Articles
Conclusion
Call to Action
References

Albertitafel painting by Albertus Magnus revealing nine points for a godly life, oil on canvas, Tyrol around 1750

Altartuxer traditional mask with felt hat, wooden face, horsehair wig, artificial flowers, sequins, gamecock feathers and mirror from Rum, Tirol, 1897

Alte Stube Bregenzerwald sign Steffen 1880 Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art

Portrait of Andreas Hofer, colorized engraving in wooden frame

Painted softwood Aufsatzbett by Urban Huemer dating 1781 with wedding feast scene, Gnadenstuhl and Madonna with Child

Painted softwood bed headboard with Gnadenstuhl and Madonna with Child, created by Urban Huemer in 1781

Painted softwood Aufsatzbett from 1781 depicting a wedding feast at the foot end

Traditional beehive with eagle and Turkish head decoration

Vintage toy beer wagon from Vienna, 1929, handcrafted model

Jägermusik painted lead cast figurine from Vienna around 1895

Historical fountain figure named 'Türke' from Pustertal, South Tyrol, around 1800

Brunnenfigur Türke Radlach mid 19th century statue in Kärnten

Votive painting Chotischau in the Bohemian Forest featuring Madonna of the type Maria Schnee, oil on canvas, circa 1800

Die Fleißmedaille Waldmüller Kopie um 1830 ÖMV

Illustration of the three estates in Tirol around 1800 depicting clergy, nobility, and commoners with symbolic inscriptions

Exotic bird with vibrant yellow, orange, and red feathers perched on a branch in natural greenery

Portrait of Franz II/I in a rural service room

19th century butter and cheese making tools from Austria

Portrait of Prince Metternich in gouache style

Historic house sign with saints Leonard and Florian from Johann Seebacher's house in Mitterndorf, 19th century

Chromolithography 'Heiliger Wandel' and Christmas cycle scenes from Wetzles, Lower Austria around 1900

18th century South Tyrolean hanging cabinet with double-headed eagle decoration

Bosnian Beggar in shabby clothes holding a stick barefoot in front of a wooden branch fence, early 20th century

Photo of a man in traditional Muslim town costume from early 20th century Sarajevo

Studio portrait of a young unmarried Bosnian townswoman in traditional Christian urban clothing with a small vest, embroidered belt, cap, and jewelry against a mosque backdrop

Close-up detail of a historic hunting sled at the Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art in Vienna

Antique Kachelofen stove Annamirl from Münzbach circa 1740 in Austrian Museum

Monumental small artwork from linden wood depicting Emperor Karl I's accession to the throne in Hungary, 1916

Monumental small artwork of Karl I carved from linden wood, Hungary, 1916

Detailed view of wooden miniature artwork depicting crowns, created for the 1916 throne accession of Emperor Karl I of Hungary

1772 painting of Panjska Koncnica by Kozji pastirček

Majolica jug featuring the motif The eagle of the Holy Roman Empire triumphs over a fallen Turk, dated 1687

Linzer Reiterkasten wooden painted box from 1793 with depiction of Joseph II and Frederick the Great

Historical engraving of a fox chasing a hunter with a spear from 1869

Portrait of Maria Theresia wearing the Stephanskrone, oil on canvas, Hungary circa 1740

Wooden folk mask from Tirol around 1900, displayed in the Austrian Museum of Folk Life in Vienna

Mechanisches Welttheater circa 1850 depicting European national stereotypes

Cellist wearing a top hat playing in the Mechanical World Theater circa 1850

Mechanical World Theater circa 1850 showing Deutscher Michel and Dukatenmännchen at Prater amusement booth

Mechanisches Welttheater c1850 featuring European national stereotypes including Engländerin with violin and Böhmin with guitar

Franzose in Uniform mit Klarinette, Mechanisches Welttheater, um 1850

Mechanical World Theater featuring Austrian as Styrian country squire with transverse flute

Bust of Michael Haberlandt at the Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art in Vienna

Girl with doll painting by H. Schönhauser from 1904

Historical Overview

Founding and Early Development (1894–1917)

The museum emerged from the Society for Austrian Folk Life and officially opened in 1895. Initially, collections were stored in temporary locations before moving to Vienna’s Stock Exchange in 1898. The focus was on the broad cultural tapestry of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Move to Schönborn Palace and Interwar Period (1917–1938)

In 1917, the museum moved to the Schönborn Garden Palace, a Baroque palace by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt. During the interwar years, the museum emphasized German-speaking regions and collected objects from Eastern Europe, aligning with prevailing cultural narratives.

Austrofascism and Nazi Era (1930s–1945)

The 1930s brought increased political alignment, with a focus on German-Austrian folklore. Under Nazi rule, the museum expanded its collections—sometimes under controversial circumstances—and heightened its emphasis on Germanic traditions.

Postwar Reorientation and Restitution (1945–1970s)

After WWII, the museum distanced itself from ideological uses of folk culture, focusing on academic research and restitution of objects. It developed into a respected center for folk life studies and public engagement.

Expansion and Contemporary Focus (1980s–Present)

Today, the museum’s collections reflect Austria’s diversity, featuring costumes, tools, furniture, and artifacts related to migration and cultural change. It also documents and promotes living traditions in partnership with UNESCO (Österreichisches Museum für Volkskunde – Sammlung).

Visiting the Museum: Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and select public holidays

Ticket Prices

Adults: €10
Reduced (students, seniors): €7
Children under 19: Free
Family ticket: €20
Purchase on-site or online (Austrian Museum tickets).

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible with elevators and adapted restrooms
Assistance available upon request

Location and Directions

Temporary Location (until mid-2026): Otto Wagner Areal, Vienna
Permanent Address: Laudongasse 15–19, 1080 Vienna
Accessible via Vienna’s U-Bahn (Josefstädter Straße/U6), trams, and buses

Guided Tours and Special Events

Regular tours in German and English (advance booking recommended)
Seasonal exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events—check the official website for details

Nearby Attractions

Vienna Volksoper
Augarten Park and Porcelain Museum
Belvedere Palace
Vienna’s historic center

Schönborn Palace: Architectural Significance

The Schönborn Garden Palace, designed by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, exemplifies Baroque elegance. While the interior has been adapted for museum use, highlights include the grand staircase and garden courtyard, ideal for photos and quiet reflection (Schönborn Garden Palace).

Renovations and Temporary Relocation

From autumn 2024 through mid-2026, the museum is temporarily located at the Otto Wagner Areal to allow for comprehensive renovations. These upgrades are designed to enhance visitor comfort and preserve the historic features of the Schönborn Palace. Always confirm current location and opening hours on the museum website before your visit.

Must-See Exhibits and Highlights

Traditional Costumes (Trachten): Over 10,000 garments showcasing regional diversity (Austrian Folk Costume)
Domestic Interiors: Authentic reconstructions with Biedermeier furniture
Tools and Rural Life: Agricultural, forestry, and craft implements
Religious Folk Art: Votive paintings, nativity scenes, banners (Religious Folk Art)
Festive Traditions: Masks, processional objects, Maypole ornaments
Painted Furniture and Ceramics: Including Gmunden ceramics (Gmunden Ceramics)
Toys and Childhood: Historic toys and educational materials
Urban Folk Culture: Viennese coffeehouses, heuriger traditions (Vienna’s Coffeehouse Culture)
Migration and Modernity: Contemporary exhibits addressing migration’s impact

Regular temporary exhibitions further enrich the visitor experience (Current Exhibitions).

Visitor Facilities and Accessibility

Ramps and elevators for main exhibition spaces
Accessible restrooms and cloakroom/locker services
Baby-changing facilities
Contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility needs

Events and Educational Programs

Guided tours in German and English
Thematic and family-friendly workshops
Educational activities for children and school groups
Public lectures and community events (Community Projects)

Visitor Experience

The museum’s atmosphere is enhanced by its Baroque architecture and immersive exhibits. Bilingual signage, multimedia displays, and interactive stations are available. Families can enjoy activity booklets and scavenger hunts. Quiet seating areas provide opportunities for reflection.

Museum Shop and Nearby Cafés

A curated museum shop offers books, postcards, handicrafts, and souvenirs. While there’s no on-site café, many charming cafés and restaurants are within walking distance in Vienna’s Josefstadt district.

FAQs

Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; closed Mondays and select public holidays.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are available on-site and online via the official website.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, advance booking is recommended.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Non-flash photography is permitted in permanent exhibitions.

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: Weekday mornings are usually quieter.

Visuals and Media Recommendations

Include high-quality images of the Schönborn Palace exterior, interior, and key exhibits (with descriptive alt tags)
Virtual tours and interactive maps are available on the museum website
For professional photography, obtain prior permission

Conclusion

The Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art is an essential cultural landmark in Vienna, offering an in-depth exploration of Austria’s folk heritage, social history, and living traditions. Despite its temporary relocation, the museum continues to deliver engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and accessible services for all visitors. Its proximity to other Vienna historical sites makes it an ideal addition to any cultural itinerary.

Enhance your visit with digital resources such as the Audiala app for audio guides, and stay informed through the museum’s official channels. Embrace the stories and traditions preserved within this unique institution and enrich your understanding of Austria’s cultural identity (Volkskundemuseum Wien – Forschung, Austrian Museum tickets).