Weltmuseum Wien: Vienna's Museum of World Cultures

The Weltmuseum Wien was established in 1876 as Austria's largest anthropological museum. It is located within a wing of the Hofburg Imperial Palace and houses a significant collection of ethnographic and archaeological objects.

Early ethnographic collections in Austria originated in the 16th century, with items initially part of 'Kunst- und Wunderkammern' (cabinets of curiosities). These objects were later transferred to Vienna from Ambras Castle during the Coalition Wars.

Before 1928, the Anthropological-Ethnographic Department was part of the Natural History Museum. It was subsequently separated and installed in the Hofburg Imperial Palace, combining with Archduke Franz Ferdinand's collection.

The institution known as the "Museum of Ethnology" was opened on May 28, 1928. This marked the establishment of a distinct museum in the Hofburg Imperial Palace, housing ethnographic collections.

Following World War II, the museum underwent extensive reconstruction. It also presented temporary exhibitions at two permanent outposts: Schloss Matzen and the Gaming Charterhouse.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, a comprehensive renovation of the Museum of Ethnology was carried out. This included adapting cellars for storage, renovating galleries, and building additional office spaces.

In 2001, as part of the semi-privatisation of Austria's federal museums, the Museum of Ethnology was incorporated into the KHM-Museumsverband.

In November 2014, the museum closed its doors for a significant renovation. The ground-breaking ceremony for this phase of work took place in February 2015.

Following extensive renovations, the museum officially reopened on October 25, 2017, under its new name, Weltmuseum Wien. The opening event was held at Heldenplatz and was conceived by André Heller.

The museum holds collections purchased in 1806 that include items from James Cook's voyages, specifically Polynesian and Northwest Coast art.

The museum's collection includes a significant Aztec feathered headdress, believed to have belonged to Moctezuma II. Austria acquired it from France in 1880.

The museum houses a collection assembled by Charles von Hügel, featuring artifacts from India, Southeast Asia, and China.

The collections include artifacts gathered during the Austrian Brazil Expedition (1817-1835) and items collected by scientists aboard the SMS Novara during its circumnavigation of the globe.

Among its significant holdings, the museum possesses two of the remaining Rongorongo tablets.

The museum's most famous piece, the feathered headdress attributed to Moctezuma II, has caused ongoing friction between the Mexican and Austrian governments regarding its repatriation.

In April 2013, the museum was officially renamed from the Museum of Ethnology to Weltmuseum Wien, reflecting a new identity and focus.