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Volkskundemuseum Wien: Exploring European Everyday Cultures and Social History

Delve into a vast collection of over 300,000 objects in this prominent ethnographic museum.

The Volkskundemuseum Wien, housed in the historic Gartenpalais Schönborn, is a significant institution dedicated to European everyday cultures. Explore a vast collection of over 300,000 objects, from furniture to textiles, that illuminate historical and contemporary life across Europe. This ethnographic museum offers deep insights into social history and traditional arts, making it a cornerstone for understanding cultural heritage.

About Volkskundemuseum Wien at Vienna Actionism Museum in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Volkskundemuseum Wien at Vienna Actionism Museum in Vienna

Exhibition summary

The Volkskundemuseum Wien, located in the baroque Gartenpalais Schönborn, is one of the world's largest ethnographic museums, dedicated to showcasing European everyday cultures. Its extensive collection spans over 300,000 objects, offering insights into historical and contemporary life through items like furniture, textiles, and tools. Currently undergoing renovation, the museum has temporarily relocated its activities.

Curatorial context

The Volkskundemuseum Wien, situated within the elegant Gartenpalais Schönborn, stands as one of the most significant ethnographic museums worldwide. Founded in 1895 and moved to its current baroque setting in 1917, the museum's mission is to convey the everyday cultures of Europe, both historically and in contemporary contexts. Its impressive collection comprises over 300,000 items, ranging from furniture, ceramics, and household goods to textiles, work tools, and masks, all designed to tell the stories of their users and their daily lives. Beyond its permanent collection, the museum has historically offered special exhibitions, events, and maintains a specialized library with approximately 100,000 volumes, alongside an online collection. The museum strives for lively and challenging approaches, employing educational programs and interactive activities to foster social interaction and discourse. Notably, the museum is also engaged in research projects, such as one dedicated to the soybean's global journey, initiated by Friedrich Haberlandt. Due to ongoing renovation work, the museum, library, shop, and café are temporarily closed at the Palais Schönborn, with activities relocated to the Otto-Wagner-Areal.

Admission and ticket notes

The museum, library, shop, and café are currently closed due to renovation. Activities have been temporarily relocated to the Otto-Wagner-Areal with different opening hours. Further details on the renovation and relocation can be found online.

Volkskundemuseum Wien key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Volkskundemuseum Wien at Vienna Actionism Museum in Vienna

Venue
Vienna Actionism Museum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
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Artist line / attribution
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