Vienna
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Discover World Cultures and Historical Connections at Weltmuseum Wien in Vienna

Experience a vast collection of ethnographic objects and historical photographs documenting global human history.

The Weltmuseum Wien, located on Vienna's Heldenplatz, invites visitors to explore a profound collection of cultural heritage. Delve into 14 thematically organized rooms, revealing surprising connections between Austria and the wider world. Discover insights into the history, culture, and art of non-European peoples through diverse artifacts.

About Weltmuseum Wien at Museum of Change in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Weltmuseum Wien at Museum of Change in Vienna

Exhibition summary

The Weltmuseum Wien on Heldenplatz showcases valuable ethnographic treasures from around the world in 14 themed rooms. Its extensive collection spans artifacts from every continent, documenting global cultural diversity and Austria's historical international relations.

Curatorial context

The Weltmuseum Wien, located on Heldenplatz within the Imperial Palace complex, stands as one of the world's most important ethnological museums. Its vast collection comprises over 250,000 ethnographic objects, 140,000 historical photographs, and 146,000 printed works, offering insights into the history, culture, art, and daily lives of predominantly non-European peoples. Many of these exhibits were acquired through the extensive journeys of Habsburg archdukes. Notable highlights include items from the collection of the British seafarer James Cook and the renowned Mexican feather headdress, the 'Penacho'. The museum's core offering is its permanent exhibition, presented across 14 rooms with a contemporary concept and design. This exhibition utilizes 3,127 objects, numerous photographs, and text panels to reveal surprising connections between Austria and the wider world. The rooms are organized thematically, covering areas such as 'In the Shadow of Colonialism,' 'Benin and Ethiopia: Art, Power, Resistance,' 'An Austrian mosaic of Brazil,' '1873 - Japan comes to Europe,' 'Collector madness. "I suffer from museomania!"', 'South Sea: Encounters with Paradise Lost,' 'Stories from Mesoamerica,' 'A Village in the Mountains,' 'Fascinated by Indonesia,' 'World in Movement,' 'To a New World,' and 'The new perception - The view of China'. In addition to this permanent display, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions on diverse topics.

Admission and ticket notes

The museum is open Tuesday from 10:00 to 21:00, and Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Special offers for people with disabilities are available upon request. Additional information on ticketing and opening times can be found on the museum's website.

Weltmuseum Wien key exhibition facts

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Museum of Change
Current status
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