40-nummy Byzantine coin minted in Catania Sicily

Münzkabinett

Münzkabinett Vienna: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Located within the prestigious Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) in Vienna, the Münzkabinett (Coin Cabinet) stands as one of the world’s oldest and most comprehensive numismatic collections. With origins tracing back to the Habsburg dynasty in 1547, the Münzkabinett has grown into a repository of over 600,000 coins, medals, banknotes, and minting artifacts. Its holdings span over three millennia, offering a unique lens into the economic, artistic, and political history of civilizations worldwide (KHM official site). This guide provides all essential details for planning your visit—from opening hours and tickets to collection highlights and practical visitor tips.

Collection of coins and numismatic items displayed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

Historical Overview
Visitor Information
Collection Highlights
Digital Resources & Research
Visitor Tips
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

The Münzkabinett began as part of the Habsburgs’ imperial collections. Its earliest inventory dates to 1547, marking it as one of the oldest numismatic collections globally (KHM official site). Initially, coins and medals were amassed not just for their economic value but also as symbols of dynastic power and prestige. Over time, the collection absorbed hoards from various European territories, preserving many unique pieces for posterity (KHM exhibition page).

Integration into the Kunsthistorisches Museum

With the opening of the KHM in 1891, the Münzkabinett found a permanent home on Vienna’s Ringstraße. It became an independent department in 1900, moving to its current location on the museum’s second floor (Wikipedia).

Expansion and Academic Significance

Throughout the 20th century, the Münzkabinett expanded its holdings and academic output, embracing not only coins but also paper money, securities, seals, weights, and minting implements. It established itself as a center for research, cataloguing, and scholarly publication (Wikipedia).

Notable Acquisitions and Collection Growth

Today, the Münzkabinett holds approximately 600,000 artifacts, including ancient Greek and Roman coins, medieval and modern European currency, medals, orders, decorations, and banknotes. Noteworthy recent acquisitions include coins from the Lindpaintner Collection, featuring rare pieces from historically significant empires (KHM official site).

Exhibition Structure

The permanent exhibition is organized into three galleries (KHM exhibition page):

Gallery I: The evolution of medals and orders from the Italian Renaissance onwards.
Gallery II: The history of coinage and currency, from barter to modern money.
Gallery III: Rotating special exhibitions highlighting new research and acquisitions.

Global Significance

Ranked among the world’s top five coin collections (with London, Paris, Berlin, and St. Petersburg), the Münzkabinett offers a global perspective on monetary history, featuring artifacts from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas (Wikipedia; Visiting Vienna).

Recent Developments

Recent exhibitions, such as “Splendour & embossing: The emperors and their court artists,” underscore the Münzkabinett’s role in exploring the intersections of art, imperial power, and numismatics (Museos.com).

Visitor Information

Location & Access

Address: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Transport: Accessible via U-Bahn (Museumsquartier, U2), trams (1, 2, D, 71 at Burgring), and bus lines 48A and 57A (KHM official info).

Opening Hours

Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00
Thursday: Extended hours until 21:00
Monday: Closed (except on select public holidays; check the official calendar)

Tickets & Admission

Adults: €21
Reduced: €18 (students, seniors, etc.)
Children/Youth under 19: Free
Annual Pass: €44
Family & Group Rates: Available (KHM ticket page)
Skip-the-line & online purchase: Recommended in peak season (Vienna Tourist Information)

Accessibility & Facilities

Fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms (KHM accessibility).
Wheelchairs available free of charge (reservation recommended).
Lockers and cloakrooms provided; large bags and backpacks are not permitted.
Museum café and shop on site.

Guided Tours & Educational Programs

Public tours (German/English): Highlights of the Münzkabinett and KHM.
Private tours: Up to 25 people, starting at €90.
Children’s/Family programs: Interactive, age-appropriate.
Audioguides: Available in multiple languages (KHM tours).
Advance booking: Recommended for groups or during busy periods.

Collection Highlights

Ancient Greek & Roman Coins: Including rare tetradrachms and aurei, exemplifying classical artistry.
Byzantine & Medieval Currency: From solidi to European silver pennies and florins.
Habsburg Medals: Commemorating imperial events, military victories, and royal occasions.
Modern Coinage: From the Austrian schilling to the euro, including commemorative issues.
Maria Theresa Thaler: The iconic trade coin minted since 1741.
Minting Tools & Dies: Illustrating historical coin production.

The Münzkabinett regularly hosts thematic exhibitions, such as the 2024–2025 showcase of Habsburg court artists (IKMK news).

Digital Resources & Research

IKMK Portal: Over 25,000 objects catalogued online with high-resolution images (IKMK platform).
Special Collections: Full digital catalogues, archaeological context, and downloadable certificates for coin sponsorship.
Research & Publications: The Münzkabinett is a hub for scholarly collaboration and public engagement (KHM official site).

Visitor Tips

Planning: Allocate 1–2 hours for the Münzkabinett; the full KHM requires more time.
Photography: Non-flash photos for personal use are allowed; restrictions may apply in special exhibitions.
Labels & Audioguides: Bilingual (German/English); audioguides in multiple languages.
Quiet Hours: Early mornings or Thursday evenings are least crowded.
Etiquette: Maintain quiet, silence phones, and follow signage (All About Vienna).

Nearby Attractions

Natural History Museum: Opposite the KHM, famous for the Venus von Willendorf (Visiting Vienna).
Hofburg Palace: Houses the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and Treasury.
MuseumsQuartier: Art museums, cafés, and public spaces (Time Out Vienna).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online (KHM website) or onsite. Online tickets are recommended for peak times.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms; free wheelchair loans available.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Early mornings or late Thursdays; weekends and holidays are busiest.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Non-flash photography is generally allowed; check signage for restrictions.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, both public and private tours and audioguides are available in English.

Conclusion & Recommendations

The Münzkabinett at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum is a remarkable destination for anyone intrigued by the history of money, art, and empire. Its vast, expertly curated collection provides unique insights into the evolution of currency as both a practical tool and a powerful symbol of culture and authority. With accessible facilities, engaging exhibitions, and robust digital resources, the Münzkabinett offers a rewarding experience for visitors of all backgrounds. To enhance your visit, consider downloading the KHM Stories app for guided tours, exploring the online catalog, and planning time to enjoy nearby Vienna landmarks. Stay updated on exhibitions and events by following the museum on social media.