Bestattungsmuseum Vienna: An Exhibition Exploring Funeral and Cemetery Culture
Delve into centuries of Viennese mourning rituals, burial practices, and unique historical exhibits at this fascinating museum.
The Bestattungsmuseum in Vienna offers a compelling look into the city's distinct relationship with death and remembrance. Visitors can explore historical artifacts and multimedia presentations showcasing Viennese burial customs from the 18th century to the present. The exhibition provides unique insights into cultural practices surrounding funerals and cemeteries.
About Bestattungsmuseum at Vienna Actionism Museum in Vienna
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Bestattungsmuseum at Vienna Actionism Museum in Vienna
Exhibition summary
The Funeral Museum at Vienna's Central Cemetery offers insights into centuries of burial and cemetery culture with interesting, morbid, and quirky exhibits. It explores Viennese mourning rituals, burial practices, and the history of the city's cemeteries, presenting over 250 objects and multimedia content.
Curatorial context
Located beneath the historical embalming hall of the renowned Vienna Central Cemetery, the Bestattungsmuseum (Funeral Museum) presents a modern and interactive exhibition spanning 300 m². It delves into the unique Viennese relationship with death and mourning, covering rituals, burial practices, and the history of Viennese cemeteries from the late 18th century to the present day. The museum showcases over 250 original objects and extensive visual material, including a 'Fourgon' (funeral carriage) from around 1900, a 'heart stabber', a 'rescue alarm' (from times when fear of live burial was prevalent), and the famous 'folding coffin' commissioned by Emperor Joseph II in 1784. Visitors can also see historical documents, such as the cost invoice for the funeral of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Interactive and multimedia content, including 13 monitors displaying videos of historical funerals and an audio station with popular funeral songs, enhance the visitor experience. The museum's shop is also notable for its unique, darkly humorous merchandise related to death.
Admission and ticket notes
General admission is 9€. Guided tours are available for groups of 15 or more by prior reservation and can be booked online. Special opening hours apply on November 1st (10:00 - 18:00). A 22% discount is available with the Vienna City Card. Opening hours are Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 - 16:00. Further information regarding accessibility is provided on the page.
Bestattungsmuseum key exhibition facts
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Bestattungsmuseum at Vienna Actionism Museum in Vienna
Venue
Vienna Actionism Museum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
Information not currently available
Vienna
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