Vienna
Vienna's Medical History

Josephinum: The Medical History Museum in Vienna

Discover medical history through unique wax models and scientific instruments.

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The Josephinum houses extensive collections reflecting over 650 years of medical history, including famous anatomical wax models, historical instruments, and a medical university library. It presents both a permanent display and special themed exhibitions.

Discover the Josephinum, a significant historical building and medical museum in Vienna featuring anatomical wax models and centuries of medical instruments.

Josephinum
Josephinum: Medical History and Collections

The Josephinum, a significant example of classicist architecture completed in Vienna in 1785, serves as a repository for centuries of medical institution history. This medical museum houses diverse collections of international significance, focusing on the evolution of medicine. Visitors can explore the renowned anatomical wax models, a vast array of historical medical instruments, and extensive archive materials. The permanent exhibition details 18th-century anatomy and the history of Viennese Medical Schools, providing a glimpse into the past of medical science.

White classical building with red roof and central entrance, surrounded by a black iron fence and green lawn under a blue sky with clouds.
Josephinum opening hours in Vienna

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Josephinum. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Vienna.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
-
-
10:00-18:00
10:00-20:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
Josephinum Tickets and Admission

The Josephinum requires admission for most visitors, with free entry provided for children aged 0-12 and members of specific associations. Reduced tickets are available for students, youth, seniors, and individuals with special needs or military service, all of whom must present a valid ID. Group tickets can also be purchased, with a minimum invoice amount applying. Additionally, a surcharge may apply for access to special exhibitions, such as 'Gustav Klimt and Medicine'.

Regular ticket
€15.00
Reduced ticket
€10.00

For students up to 27, young people up to 18, pensioners aged 65 and up, people with special needs and their registered carers, and people in Austrian compulsory military or civilian service. Valid ID required.

Children free admission
Free

Children up to age 12

Josephinum's Location in Alsergrund, Vienna

The Josephinum, a significant historical building, is located at Währinger Strasse 25 in Vienna, specifically within the Alsergrund neighborhood. This central position in Vienna's 9th district offers convenient access for visitors interested in exploring medical history and the extensive collections, including anatomical wax models, situated within the Medical University of Vienna's historical grounds.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Währinger Strasse 25

1090 Vienna

Alsergrund, Vienna, AT

Josephinum Visit Information

Plan for approximately 60 minutes to explore the Josephinum, located in Vienna's Alsergrund district. Reservations are recommended, especially for guided tours, and tickets are available for purchase directly at the museum desk with card payment accepted. Be aware that backpacks and large bags must be stored in provided lockers, and the last admission is 45 minutes before closing.

Josephinum Visit Information

Josephinum: Medical History and Anatomical Models

The Josephinum in Vienna stands as a significant example of classicist architecture, serving as a repository for over 650 years of medical institution history. Visitors to this medical museum can explore diverse collections of international significance, including its famous anatomical and obstetric wax models, some dating back to the 18th century. The museum also showcases a vast array of historical medical instruments and archival materials. A permanent exhibition details 18th-century anatomy and the history of Viennese Medical Schools, complemented by rotating special exhibitions that delve into contemporary high-tech medicine or specific themes. This unique visitor experience illuminates centuries of scientific advancement.

antique brass scientific instrument on a stand in a display case
Top exhibition picks at Josephinum
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Vienna
Discover high-interest exhibitions at Josephinum, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Vienna.
A watercolor illustration of a person researching historical medical documents in a museum gallery, with musical notes suggesting Beethoven's era, related to the exhibition 'The Seligmann Fragments and Beethoven's Doctors: A Search for Traces'.
Permanent exhibition

Josephinum Presents: The Seligmann Fragments and Beethoven's Doctors Exhibition

An ongoing journey into historical medicine and cultural archives.

Discover a unique exploration of medical history at the Josephinum. This exhibition uncovers the Seligmann fragments and examines the medical professionals connected to Ludwig van Beethoven, offering rich historical insights.

Seligmann Fragments
Watercolor illustration of a museum exhibit featuring anatomical wax models in glass cases, medical instruments, and historical documents, representing the Josephinum's permanent exhibition on medical history.
Permanent exhibition

Josephinum Permanent Exhibition: Uncovering Centuries of Medical History and Wax Models

Explore Vienna's significant contributions to medical science and bioethics.

Witness the evolution of medicine through unique artifacts, from anatomical wax models commissioned by Emperor Joseph II to groundbreaking surgical instruments. Understand key developments and modern ethical questions explored within the Josephinum's extensive permanent collection.

Permanent Exhibition
A watercolor-style artwork depicting a female figure in purple and gold, holding a chalice with a snake, surrounded by symbolic imagery of life, birth, and death, inspired by Gustav Klimt's 'Medicine' painting.
From Mar 26, 2026

Gustav Klimt and Medicine Exhibition: Exploring Art and Science at the Josephinum

Uncover Klimt's controversial painting 'Medicine' and rare drawings from Vienna 1900.

This exhibition at Josephinum examines Gustav Klimt's ties to medical progress in Vienna. See the AI-reconstructed 'Medicine' painting, original Klimt drawings, and historical medical exhibits. Explore the profound influence of science on his artistic vision.

Klimt Medicine Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a historical artificial heart pump on display in a museum, showcasing mechanical components and tubing, representing pioneering medical research in Vienna.
From May 5, 2017

Artificial Hearts: The Bridge to Survival Exhibition at Josephinum Vienna

Pioneering Viennese research in medical history and surgical advancements.

Explore the Josephinum's exhibition detailing Vienna's groundbreaking work in artificial heart technology. Learn about the 'bridge to survival' and its impact on modern cardiac support, blending science with art.

Artificial Hearts Exhibition
A purple watercolor illustration of visitors in lab coats examining historical medical exhibits, including documents, a microscope, and a syringe, in a museum setting.
From Mar 14, 2018

Viennese Medical Faculty 1938-1945: National Socialism in Medicine

A historical exhibition at Josephinum exploring the dark chapters of Austrian medical history.

Investigate the impacts of National Socialism on the Viennese Medical Faculty during 1938-1945. This exhibition highlights the history of antisemitism, the expulsion of staff, and the unethical medical practices under Nazi doctrine. Gain insights into a critical period of medical ethics.

Viennese Medical Faculty
Watercolor illustration of a worker uncovering a historical portrait on a wall during the renovation of the Josephinum, a historic building established in 1785.
From Sep 29, 2022

Reiner Riedler's Josephinum Renovation Photography Exhibition: A Visual Documentation

Explore the architectural transformation of a historic 18th-century institution.

Discover Reiner Riedler's captivating photographs detailing the Josephinum's extensive renovation project. See how the 1785 building's historic spaces, including its grand lecture hall, were meticulously restored. This exhibition provides a unique perspective on architectural preservation.

Reiner Riedler Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a museum exhibition on the anatomy of the ear, featuring display cases with ear models, informational panels, and visitors observing the exhibits.
From Jan 26, 2024

The Seligmann Fragments and Beethoven's Physicians: A Vienna Exhibition on Hearing History

Exploring Viennese otology, medical collections, and art contributions.

This exhibition examines the history of the human hearing organ and otology in Vienna. It showcases objects from the Josephinum's collections, illustrating key developments in diagnostic procedures and treatments. Artistic contributions further enrich the exploration of this medical field.

Exhibition Details
A watercolor illustration of an ophthalmophantom and bullet-finder medical instruments displayed with photograms in a museum exhibit.
Dec 2, 2013 – Oct 4, 2014

Ophthalmophantom and Bullet-Finder: Tillman Kaiser Exhibition at Josephinum

Tillman Kaiser's artistic intervention explores medical history through photograms.

This exhibition at Josephinum features unique photograms created by artist Tillman Kaiser. His work reinterprets the museum's significant collection of historical medical instruments, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of healthcare technology.

View Exhibition
Josephinum FAQs: Answers to Your Curious Questions

Curious about visiting the Josephinum in Vienna? We've got answers to everything from ticket prices to whether we're truly closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (we are!). You might even discover when the museum offers extended hours for your enlightenment.

What is the email for general inquiries at the Josephinum or for image rights?

The Josephinum does not provide a single general email address for all inquiries. For general inquiries and requests concerning image rights, you can use the contact form available on their website at https://www.josephinum.ac.at/en/the-josephinum/inquiries/.

What is the email address for archive inquiries at the Josephinum?

You can send archive inquiries to the Josephinum via email at [email protected].

What is the general contact phone number for the Josephinum and when are its phone lines open?

The general phone number for the Josephinum is +43 1 40160 26000. Phone lines are open Wednesday to Saturday and on public holidays from 10 AM to 6 PM, and on Thursdays from 10 AM to 8 PM.

How can I inquire about renting the Josephinum for events?

For rental inquiries regarding events at the Josephinum, please contact the events department via email at [email protected].

Practical Tips for Visiting the Josephinum

When planning a visit to the Josephinum, allow approximately one hour to explore the collections. While tickets are available at the museum, advance registration is recommended if you intend to join a guided tour. Visitors should note that last admission is 45 minutes before closing time. For convenience, lockers are provided for backpacks and large bags, and photography is permitted for private use without flash. Paid parking facilities are also available on-site.

Who the Josephinum Suits

The Josephinum offers an engaging experience for those interested in the history of medicine, science, and 18th-century architecture. Visitors can explore extensive collections of anatomical wax models and historic surgical instruments, providing insight into centuries of medical advancements. Located in Vienna, this venue is particularly suited for students, solo explorers, and couples looking for a focused cultural and educational visit. It provides a detailed look into the historical and scientific aspects of medical study.

Visuals of Josephinum's Medical Collections

Explore images showcasing the Josephinum's impressive classicist architecture and delve into its renowned collections. Visitors can expect to see detailed anatomical wax models and a vast array of historical medical instruments. These visuals offer a compelling journey through centuries of medical history in Vienna, highlighting the museum's unique scientific and artistic heritage.

White logo and text 'MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITÄT WIEN' on a black background
antique brass scientific instrument on a stand in a display case
White classical building with red roof and central entrance, surrounded by a black iron fence and green lawn under a blue sky with clouds.
classical building with red roof and ivy-covered walls under blue sky
a colorful painting with a central female figure in red and gold surrounded by multiple human figures
classical stone building with red-tiled roofs and tram lines in front
Engraving of the Josephinum building with classical architecture and people in the courtyard
White classical building with red roof and black gate, cars on the street in front
white classical building with red roof and multiple windows
The Josephinum building with a red-tiled roof, white facade, and a central gate with stone pillars and a golden emblem, surrounded by green trees and a black iron fence under a clear blue sky.
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