Vienna
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Kellergeschichten: Unearthing Vienna's Mysterious Roman Basement and Its Ancient Puzzles

Discover the enigmatic 4th-century Roman structure from Vindobona and consider its debated role in late antiquity Vienna.

The Kellergeschichten exhibition in Vienna invites visitors to explore a unique 4th-century Roman basement, unearthed within the ancient legionary fortress of Vindobona. This expansive 450 m² subterranean structure remains unparalleled along the Roman Danube frontier, with its exact purpose still a compelling historical debate. Engage with various explanatory models, examining architectural clues and artifacts to weigh theories like a Mithras cult sanctuary or a simple storage cellar from late antiquity.

About Kellergeschichten. Ein rätselhaftes römisches Gebäude am Bauernmarkt at Wien Museum in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Kellergeschichten. Ein rätselhaftes römisches Gebäude am Bauernmarkt at Wien Museum in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This exhibition explores a unique 4th-century Roman basement discovered during excavations within the legionary fortress of Vindobona. With its enigmatic function, the 450 m² structure's purpose is debated, potentially serving as a Mithras sanctuary, treasury, storage cellar, or even a prison.

Curatorial context

Unearthed during excavations at the Roman legionary fortress of Vindobona in Vienna, a unique 4th-century Roman basement presents a compelling puzzle. This subterranean structure, spanning 450 m² and reaching a depth of 5 meters, is unparalleled along the Roman Danube frontier. Its function remains a subject of debate, with its floor plan, architecture, and recovered artifacts suggesting possibilities ranging from a sanctuary dedicated to the Mithras cult or a treasury to a simple storage cellar, grain silo, or even a prison. The exhibition delves into these various explanatory models, presenting comparative examples and the available evidence. Visitors are invited to consider the likelihood of each theory, examining the arguments for and against them. The exhibition also probes the potential role this enigmatic building may have played during the turbulent times of late antiquity.

Admission and ticket notes

Tickets can be purchased via the provided link to the Wien Museum shop, which directs to the Römermuseum. General admission prices are €8.00, with a reduced rate of €6.00, and free entry for those under 19 and on the first Sunday of each month. Specific opening hours and days are detailed, with a note about a later opening on November 25th.

Kellergeschichten. Ein rätselhaftes römisches Gebäude am Bauernmarkt key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Kellergeschichten. Ein rätselhaftes römisches Gebäude am Bauernmarkt at Wien Museum in Vienna

Venue
Wien Museum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Jun 26, 2025 – May 30, 2027
Artist line / attribution
Kuratorisches Team: Sophie Insulander, Michaela Kronberger, Martin Mosser, Kristina Adler-Wölfl. Ausstellungsgrafik: Larissa Cerny
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