The Expansion of Neue Burg Cellars 1938–1945: A Historical Exhibition on Wartime Construction

This exhibition details the extensive construction of air-raid shelters and storage facilities within the Neue Burg between 1938 and 1945. It covers the repurposing of cellar levels for personal protection, the safeguarding of museum objects, and the logistical and political context of these wartime building efforts.

The expansion of the cellars in the Neue Burg between 1938 and 1945 is the focus of this historical account. Following a decree in August 1938 mandating the construction of air-raid facilities, significant building activity commenced. The second basement levels of the Corps de logis and the adjacent curved section facing Heldenplatz were transformed into protective spaces for museum personnel and for the storage of valuable museum objects. These included items from the arms collection, the costume depot, the musical instruments collection, and potentially confiscated Jewish art objects. New elevators were installed, and an existing one was extended to the second sub-basement to facilitate the transport of larger works. The northern part of the building facing the festival halls was designated as a communal air-raid shelter for residents and staff of the Hofburg. Other Hofburg cellars, some descending three stories, also served as storage and shelter areas. A flak station on the middle section of the Neue Burg was intended for air defense. The Burghauptmannschaft was responsible for these construction projects. When work stalled in 1939 due to material shortages, the director of the Kunsthistorisches Museum directly requested assistance from Albert Speer. In 1944, a 920m² air-raid rescue station, complete with a gas lock, ventilation system, and medical facilities, was added to the first basement level of the Corps de logis at the request of the police president. On March 30, 1945, Reich Governor Baldur von Schirach declared a state of emergency in Vienna and established his command post in the Neue Burg's air-raid cellars, decorating them with opulent carpets and historical battle and portrait paintings of prominent generals.

This page focuses on historical content and does not provide specific ticketing information for this exhibition. General museum admission or ticketing details would typically be found elsewhere on the museum's website. No direct booking or pricing information is present for this specific historical account.