This special museum is dedicated to the battles of Aspern and Essling in May 1809, marking Napoleon's first significant defeat. The exhibition showcases uniforms, weaponry, personal items, and portraits related to the conflict between French and Austrian troops.
The Museum Aspern-Essling 1809, located in the former Sebastianskapelle, provides an overview of the intense military engagements between French and Austrian forces in May 1809, a pivotal moment that marked Napoleon's first major battlefield loss. The collection includes a variety of historical artifacts such as uniforms, bladed weapons, firearms, cannonballs, and personal correspondence from the era, alongside portraits of prominent generals from both armies. Parts of the museum's collection are also displayed in the Esslinger Schüttkasten, an 18th-century building. A significant highlight is an impressive diorama housed in the Schüttkasten, featuring 8,500 figures, elaborate landscapes, and even optical and acoustic effects to recreate the battles of Aspern and Essling. Additionally, the site commemorates the historical conflict with the "Löwe von Aspern" monument, created by Anton Dominik Fernkorn.