Funeral Museum Vienna: Uncover Centuries of Viennese Funeral and Cemetery Culture

The Funeral Museum at Vienna's Central Cemetery offers insights into centuries of funeral and cemetery culture, presenting morbid yet quirky exhibits. Visitors can learn about Viennese funeral customs, the industry, and the unique 'cult of the dead' from the late 18th century to the present.

Located within Vienna's famous Central Cemetery, the Funeral Museum delves into the city's distinctive funeral and cemetery culture spanning centuries. Spread across 300 m² with 30 interactive stations and over 250 objects, the museum provides a modern and engaging look at Viennese burial customs, the funeral industry, and the historical "cult of the dead." Key exhibits include an original "Fourgon" (body transport coach) from around 1900, a heart palpitation knife, and a life-saving clock from a time when fear of premature burial was prevalent. Notably, it features Emperor Joseph II's famed foldaway coffin from 1784, designed for reuse. The museum also displays a billing instruction for the funeral costs of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife. Interactive and multimedia content, including videos of historical funerals and an audio station for popular funeral music, enhances the visitor experience. The museum's gift shop is as unique as its exhibits, offering dark humor and unusual souvenirs related to death, allowing visitors to engage with the topic with a touch of black humor and self-deprecation. Additional related tips for cemetery enthusiasts include information on the Cemetery of the Nameless and the St. Marx Biedermeier cemetery.

Standard ticket price is 9€. Opening hours are Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Guided tours are available for groups of 15 or more via prior reservation. Special opening hours on November 1: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The museum is accessible with a wheelchair-accessible restroom available.