Located in the heart of Vienna, Austria’s capital city, stands an architectural masterpiece that houses a world-class collection of natural history artifacts. The Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (NHM), or Natural History Museum Vienna, is not just a must-visit for science enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in exploring the wonders and mysteries of our planet and beyond.
A Brief History
The Naturhistorisches Museum was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I and opened its doors to the public in 1889. Designed by Gottfried Semper and Carl Hasenauer, this museum was originally intended to house the extensive collections of the imperial family which had been growing for over two centuries. Today, it holds more than 30 million objects spanning various disciplines such as botany, geology, paleontology, mineralogy, anthropology and zoology.
Architectural Splendor
The building itself is an artwork worth admiring. Constructed with precision during the late 19th-century period known as Historicism style architecture; its exterior boasts elements inspired from Greek-Roman traditions while intricate frescoes adorn its interior walls depicting historical scientific achievements. One can’t miss out on appreciating Maria Theresa Square where NHM along with Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) symmetrically face each other showcasing their identical exteriors – a testament to Vienna’s rich cultural heritage.
Exhibitions: A Journey Through Time And Space
NHM offers permanent exhibitions spread across multiple floors covering diverse fields of natural sciences. The prehistoric section takes one back millions of years featuring rare fossils including those belonging to dinosaurs like Diplodocus or Allosaurus; even boasting an almost complete skeleton of early human ancestor – Australopithecus afarensis ‘Lucy’.
In contrast to ancient times, the Anthropology Hall provides insights into human cultural evolution with displays of artifacts from ancient civilizations around the globe. The museum’s meteorite hall is another crowd-puller featuring an impressive collection of over 1100 meteorites – largest in the world.
Planetarium and Digital Planet
The NHM also houses a state-of-the-art digital planetarium offering visitors a chance to embark on interstellar journeys exploring stars, planets and distant galaxies. With high-resolution visuals and surround sound system, it offers an immersive experience that both educates and entertains its audience about our vast universe.
Educational Programs & Research
NHM Vienna is not just about exhibitions; it also serves as an important center for scientific research having numerous international collaborations. It hosts regular workshops, guided tours, lectures and even special programs for children making science accessible to people of all ages.
Dining & Shopping
No visit to NHM would be complete without stopping by at its rooftop café that offers panoramic views of Vienna’s skyline along with delicious food options. Additionally, you can take home souvenirs or educational toys from their museum shop ensuring your visit remains memorable long after you’ve left this magnificent place.
In conclusion, Naturhistorisches Museum Wien presents a perfect blend of education and entertainment through its extensive exhibits showcasing Earth’s history alongside cosmic explorations. Its splendid architecture adds more charm making it one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks worth visiting!
Frequently asked questions
What are the operating hours and admission fees for the Naturhistorisches Museum in Wien?
The Naturhistorisches Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am to 6:30 pm. On Wednesdays, it extends its hours until 9 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The standard admission fee for adults is €12. For seniors (65+), students under 27 years old, disabled persons, and military personnel in uniform, the entrance fee is €9. Children and teenagers up to age 19 can enter for free.
What collections does the Naturhistorisches Museum host?
The Naturhistorisches Museum hosts a wide range of natural history collections that span several billion years of Earth’s history. It showcases millions of objects including meteorites, fossils, minerals & gemstones, prehistoric artifacts as well as comprehensive anthropological displays about human evolution. Notable exhibits include the Venus of Willendorf (an iconic Paleolithic figurine), enormous dinosaur skeletons like Diplodocus or Allosaurus and an extensive collection dedicated to Emperor Franz Joseph I’s passion for Central European bird species.
Where exactly is the Naturhistorisches Museum located? What’s nearby?
The Natural History Museum Vienna (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien) stands majestically at Maria-Theresien-Platz in Vienna’s city center district Innere Stadt – just opposite its “twin”, the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches). This prime location means visitors have easy access to other famous Viennese landmarks such as Hofburg Palace or MuseumsQuartier within walking distance.
Are there any services available inside the museum for visitors’ convenience?
Absolutely! Inside this impressive building you’ll find facilities designed with visitor comfort in mind. The museum has a café and restaurant, a shop where you can buy souvenirs or educational materials related to the exhibits, and accessible toilets. Wheelchairs are available for visitors with mobility issues. In addition, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the museum.
What’s the history of Naturhistorisches Museum?
The Naturhistorisches Museum was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I and opened its doors in 1889 after nearly 20 years of construction work. It was designed by Gottfried Semper & Carl Hasenauer who were also responsible for other grand buildings from Vienna’s Ringstrasse era like Vienna State Opera House or Burgtheater. The museum initially served as an imperial repository for natural artifacts collected by Habsburg monarchs over centuries but soon started conducting its own research which continues till this day making it not only a major tourist attraction but also an important scientific institution.
