The Third Man Museum Vienna

The Third Man Museum opened its doors in 2005, featuring over 400 square meters divided into 16 rooms dedicated to the film The Third Man. It was initiated by Gerhard Strassgschwandtner and designed by Karin Höfler.

The museum's collection features approximately 3000 original exhibits, including Trevor Howard's personal script annotated for filming, along with other documents from his private estate, and film-specific correspondence from Graham Greene.

In 2023, the Third Man Museum purchased the Elchinger gravestone, which is prominently featured in the film's cemetery scenes, and transferred it to the museum for display.

The museum provides an exhibition explaining the historical context of the film, showcasing the everyday life of Vienna during its occupation by the Allies between 1945 and 1955, and includes original documents from that era.

The Third Man Museum was honored with the Vienna Tourism Prize in 2020, recognizing its contribution to the city's tourism.

The collection includes two lightweight 35-mm Debrie Parvo film cameras, models LS and K, which were rented for the British film team and used by cameraman Hans Schneeberger for shooting certain scenes.

The museum displays over 100 editions of Graham Greene's novel The Third Man, alongside more than 70 film posters from its premieres and re-releases.

The collection features the zither used by Anton Karas in 1949 to compose and record the film music, as well as his former private exhibition, which is integrated into the museum with its original display of documents and photos.

A special exhibition on Orson Welles includes items from the private archive of his companion Oja Kodar, who provided contributions for the museum.

The museum holds essential screenplays of The Third Man, including the draft script, the second draft for US co-producer David O. Selznick, the script used in Vienna by Jack Causey, the British release script, and the dialogue cutting continuity script.

A fully functioning Ernemann VIIb projector from 1936 is available at the Third Man Museum, allowing visitors to view a two-minute sequence from the British version of the film.

The Third Man Museum is an independent two-person project, initiated by Gerhard Strassgschwandtner, who was responsible for putting together the collection.

Karin Höfler contributed to the Third Man Museum by developing its design and concept, working alongside Gerhard Strassgschwandtner.