Heldenplatz
Tel. 01- 5252 4484
Open: 10am- 6pm Wed- Mon
Subway: Volkstheater, Herrengasse
The Weltmuseum Wien, formerly known as the Museum für Völkerkunde (Ethnological Museum), is Vienna's premier ethnographic museum and the largest anthropological institution in Austria. Located in a wing of the historic Hofburg Imperial Palace at Heldenplatz in the Innere Stadt district, it houses extensive collections of over 400,000 ethnographical and archaeological objects from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, along with more than 100,000 historical photographs and 146,000 printed works. Established to showcase non-European cultures, the museum emphasizes themes of cultural diversity, colonialism, and human connections, with its tagline "It's all about people." As one of the world's leading ethnographical museums, it attracts visitors interested in global heritage, anthropology, and contemporary art intersections. Following a major renovation from 2014 to 2017, the museum reopened with modernized spaces, and as of October 2025, it continues to evolve with new exhibition formats like WMW Contemporary, blending historical artifacts with modern perspectives.
The origins of the Weltmuseum Wien date back to the 16th century with
early ethnographic collections in Austria, including items from
explorers and imperial acquisitions. Formally established in 1876 as
part of the Imperial and Royal Court Museum of Natural History's
Anthropological-Ethnographic Department, it initially shared space with
the Natural History Museum in Vienna. Key expansions came from
expeditions like the Austrian Brazil Expedition (1817-1835) by Johann
Natterer and the global circumnavigation of the SMS Novara (1857-1859),
which brought in thousands of artifacts. In 1928, the museum gained
independence and moved to the Hofburg Palace, incorporating Archduke
Franz Ferdinand's vast collection of over 14,000 objects and 1,100
photographs, acquired during his world tour.
Post-World War II, the
museum faced challenges, including damage and temporary exhibitions at
satellite locations like Schloss Matzen and the Gaming Charterhouse
during reconstruction. It joined the KHM-Museumsverband in 2001 as part
of Austria's federal museum semi-privatization. Renamed Weltmuseum Wien
in 2013 to reflect a more global and inclusive focus, it closed for
extensive renovations in November 2014, reopening on October 25, 2017,
with updated galleries and facilities. Renovations in the 1990s and
early 2000s had already modernized storage and office spaces. By 2025,
the museum continues to address colonial legacies through contemporary
programming and ethical discussions on artifact provenance.
Housed in the Corps de Logis Neue Burg wing of the Hofburg Imperial Palace—a grand neoclassical structure built in the late 19th century—the museum's architecture blends imperial grandeur with modern exhibition design. The 2014-2017 renovation transformed the interior into 14 permanent galleries and 5 temporary exhibition spaces, spanning approximately 3,900 square meters of display area. The layout guides visitors on a thematic journey across global regions and topics, with rooms dedicated to specific cultures or themes like colonialism and cultural exchange. Features include high ceilings, ornate moldings from the palace era, and contemporary elements like interactive displays and multimedia installations. The ground floor houses a café and shop, while upper levels feature the main exhibitions; a floor plan is available online for navigation.
The Weltmuseum Wien's collections encompass over 400,000 items from
non-European cultures, organized into departments covering Sub-Saharan
Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, Central Asia and Siberia, East
Asia (China, Korea, Japan), Insular Southeast Asia, South Asia and
Southeast Asia, Himalayas, Oceania and Australia, North and Central
America, and South America, plus a dedicated Photo Collection. Notable
highlights include:
Aztec Feathered Headdress (Penacho): A unique
16th-century artifact possibly belonging to Moctezuma II, made of
quetzal feathers and gold; acquired in 1880, it's a centerpiece but
subject to repatriation debates with Mexico.
James Cook Collection:
Artifacts from Polynesia and the Northwest Coast of America collected
during Captain James Cook's voyages, including ceremonial objects and
tools.
Benin Bronzes: A significant holding of brass plaques and
sculptures from the Kingdom of Benin, reflecting African artistry and
colonial histories.
Rongorongo Tablets: Two rare wooden tablets from
Easter Island inscribed with undeciphered glyphs, representing one of
the world's few independent writing systems.
Charles von Hügel
Collection: Items from India, Southeast Asia, and China, including
textiles, weapons, and religious artifacts.
Other key areas
feature Mexican artifacts, South American ethnographic items from the
Austrian Brazil Expedition, and Oceanic art, all contextualized with
historical photographs and documents to explore cultural narratives and
colonial impacts.
The museum features a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Permanent galleries take visitors on a global journey, tackling regions
and themes like cultural encounters and everyday life across continents.
As of October 2025, current and upcoming temporary exhibitions include:
Who’s Wearing the Pants? (March 25, 2025 – February 1, 2026):
Explores gender and clothing in global contexts.
Shannon Alonzo:
Washerwoman (May 16 – October 5, 2025): A contemporary art installation
focusing on labor and identity.
Colonialism on the Window Sill (May
28, 2025 – May 25, 2026): Examines colonial legacies in everyday
objects.
Tabita Rezaire: Calabash Nebula: Cosmological Tales of
Connection (September 17, 2025 – January 11, 2026): Part of the new WMW
Contemporary series, blending cosmology and cultural tales.
The
Colours of the Earth: Modern Textile Art in Mexico (October 22, 2025 –
April 6, 2026): Showcases contemporary Mexican textiles.
Indah
Arsyad: The Ultimate Breath (November 26, 2025 – May 25, 2026): Another
WMW Contemporary exhibition on breath and existence.
Dark Pairing
(Ongoing since May 20, 2021): A long-term display pairing artifacts in
thematic dialogues.
The WMW Contemporary series, launching in
autumn 2025, introduces fresh perspectives on global issues through
artist collaborations.
The Weltmuseum Wien plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting non-European cultural heritage, fostering understanding of global diversity amid colonial histories. It highlights Austria's exploratory past while addressing ethical concerns like repatriation (e.g., the Aztec headdress). As part of the KHM-Museumsverband, it contributes to Vienna's cultural landscape, drawing about 100,000 visitors annually and supporting research, education, and contemporary dialogues on topics like decolonization and sustainability.
As of October 2025, the museum is open daily except Mondays from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours on Tuesdays until 9 PM; special holiday hours apply (e.g., open on Christmas Day). Admission is €16 for adults, €12 reduced, free for under-19s; tickets also grant access to the Imperial Armoury and Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. Audio guides cost €5 (or less for groups), and a free app offers digital tours. Guided tours and group visits (for 10+ people) require advance booking via email or phone. The museum is accessible by public transport (U3 Volkstheater, trams D/1/2/71), with limited parking nearby. Free WiFi is available, and the on-site café operates during museum hours. For the latest details, visit weltmuseumwien.at.