If you are a history enthusiast or simply love to explore different cultures, there is one place in Vienna that should be on your must-visit list – the Weltmuseum Wien. This museum, formerly known as the Museum of Ethnology, is Austria’s largest anthropological museum and boasts an extensive collection of non-European artifacts.
A Brief History
The Weltmuseum Wien has a rich history dating back to 1876 when it was first opened as the Imperial Royal Austrian Museum of Art and Industry’s second major branch. The idea behind its establishment was to create a space where visitors could learn about various cultures outside Europe through their art and everyday objects. Over time, this institution evolved into what we now know as the Weltmuseum Wien.
Collection Overview
The museum houses over 200,000 ethnographic objects, 25,000 historical photographs, and 136,000 printed works from all around the world. Its collections span across Asia (including East Asia), Africa (primarily North Africa), Oceania (with emphasis on New Guinea), America (especially North America) among others.
Notable Exhibits
Certain exhibits at the Weltmuseum stand out for their historic significance or rarity:
- The Collection from James Cook’s Voyages: These items were collected during Captain James Cook’s three Pacific voyages between 1768–1780 which include rare feathered cloaks from Hawaii and intricately carved wooden figures from New Zealand.
- Mexican Feather Headdress: Also known as Penacho de Moctezuma II’, this piece is believed to have belonged to Aztec emperor Moctezuma II who ruled Mexico in early 16th century. It consists of hundreds of quetzal feathers, a bird revered by the Aztecs.
- Benin Bronzes: These are metal plaques and sculptures from the Kingdom of Benin (modern-day Nigeria) dating back to the 16th century. They depict scenes of court life, rituals and provide an insight into the history of this African kingdom.
The Building Itself
The Weltmuseum is housed in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace complex, specifically in Neue Burg section. The museum building itself is a stunning example of late 19th-century architecture with its ornate facade and grand interiors. Furthermore, it offers spectacular views over Heldenplatz square and Austrian National Library from its balcony.
Educational Programs
Besides exploring exhibits, visitors can participate in various educational programs that aim to deepen their understanding about different cultures. For instance, there are guided tours tailored for adults as well as children where they can learn more about specific regions or themes represented in the collection. Additionally, lectures by experts on anthropology and related fields often take place at the museum.
Museum Café & Shop
To round off your visit to Weltmuseum Wien, make sure you stop by at Café Restaurant KHM located within the premises which serves Austrian cuisine with international influences. Also worth visiting is Museumsshop where you can buy souvenirs inspired by objects from museum’s collections such as jewelry based on ancient designs or replicas of artifacts.
In conclusion, whether you’re interested in learning about global cultures or keen on seeing some unique historical pieces firsthand – Weltmuseum Wien has something for everyone!
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours and ticket prices for Weltmuseum Wien?
The Weltmuseum Wien is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM. On Fridays, it extends its operations until 9 PM. It’s closed on Mondays except for public holidays. As of current information, a standard adult ticket costs €12 while discounted tickets cost €9 which applies to seniors aged over 65 years old, students under the age of 25 and groups with more than ten people. Admission is free for children and teenagers up to the age of 19.
How can I get to Weltmuseum Wien by public transportation?
The museum is located in Vienna’s city center making it easily accessible by various modes of public transport. If you’re taking the subway or U-Bahn, you can take lines U2 or U1 and alight at Karlsplatz station then walk towards Burgring road where the museum is situated. Alternatively, if you prefer using trams, lines D (stop: Kärntner Ring/Oper), line 1 (stop: Rathausplatz/Burgtheater) or line 2 (stop: Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring) will bring you near enough that it’s just a short stroll away.
What kind of collections does Weltmuseum Wien have?
The Weltmuseum has an extensive collection focusing mainly on non-European cultures featuring over hundreds of thousands ethnographic objects, historical photographs and archive materials from Asia, Africa, Oceania & Australia along with America including North & South America as well as Central America pre-Columbian era artifacts . The exhibits include items related to religion & ritual practices; arts & crafts; music instruments; textiles etc., offering comprehensive insights into diverse cultural histories around world.
What is the history of Weltmuseum Wien?
The Weltmuseum was originally established as the Imperial Royal Museum for Art and Industry in 1876. It later became known as the Museum of Ethnology, showcasing a vast array of non-European artifacts collected by explorers, sailors, traders and scientists during Austria-Hungary’s colonial period. In 2013, it was renamed to Weltmuseum or World Museum to reflect its global focus. The museum underwent extensive renovations from 2014 to 2017 to modernize its facilities while preserving its historical character.
Are there any special programs or events at Weltmuseum Wien?
Apart from permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibits that feature specific cultures or themes related to anthropology and ethnography. They also conduct educational programs like workshops & lectures; guided tours with specialists on various topics; children’s activities etc., making it an engaging place for all ages. Check out their official website or contact them directly for latest schedule & information about upcoming events.
