Visiting the International Mozarteum Foundation

The organization traces its institutional roots to the Cathedral Music Society and Mozarteum, which was founded on 22 April 1841 by Salzburg citizens to provide musical education and organize concerts.

On 16 October 1870, the International Mozarteum Foundation and the Cathedral Music Society and Mozarteum were formally separated, leading to the creation of three distinct institutions: the Foundation, the music school (now Mozarteum University), and the Mozarteum Orchestra.

The International Mozarteum Foundation was established on 20 September 1880, formalizing its mission to preserve Mozart's legacy through concerts, scholarship, and the maintenance of museums.

Designed by Munich architect Richard Berndl in the late historicist style, the Mozarteum building complex was constructed between 1911 and 1914 and officially opened on 14 September 1914.

During the First World War, the Foundation acquired Mozart's birthplace in its entirety in 1917, an achievement driven primarily by the efforts of the opera singer and patron Lilli Lehmann.

The International Mozarteum Foundation was reorganized as a formal association (Verein) on 17 April 1925, which serves as the current institutional basis for the organization.

Following the acquisition and demolition of a mid-20th century office building, the Foundation reconstructed the Mozart Residence according to original plans. A new museum was ceremonially opened in the facility in January 1996.