Naturhistorisches Museum Wien

The Natural History Museum in Vienna (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien) is one of the city’s most fascinating museums, housing an extraordinary collection of natural exhibits gathered over centuries by the Austrian Habsburgs. Together with its twin, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, it stands on Maria-Theresien-Platz, directly across from the Hofburg Palace. The two museums face each other like mirror images, with a monument to Empress Maria Theresa in the center of the square.

History and Architecture

Commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I, the museum opened in the late 19th century. The Habsburgs’ vast collections had grown so large that it was decided to display them in two separate palatial buildings: fine art in the Kunsthistorisches Museum and natural history in the Naturhistorisches Museum. The architecture itself is worth a visit—the building resembles a Renaissance palace, richly decorated both inside and out, with marble halls, grand staircases, and detailed ceiling frescoes.

Highlights of the Collection

Visitors can see an impressive range of treasures, from ancient artifacts to prehistoric creatures. Among the most famous exhibits are:

1. The Diplodocus skeleton and fossils of other dinosaurs.
2. The Venus of Willendorf, a 29,000-year-old figurine considered one of the most important archaeological finds in the world.
3. Remains of mammoths, Steller’s sea cow, and many extinct animals.

Visiting Information

• Opening hours: Wednesday–Monday, 09:00–18:30 (open until 21:00 on Wednesdays). Closed on Tuesdays.
• Tickets: Adults €18. Children and teens under 19 enjoy free admission.

The Naturhistorisches Museum is not just a place to study the natural world—it is also a cultural monument and one of Vienna’s most beautiful museums. Its vast and diverse collections make it an unforgettable stop for anyone visiting the Austrian capital.