The Vienna Natural History Museum in the 1st district is one of the most important natural science museums in the world and houses countless objects in its 39 spacious halls.

The consort of Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz I Stephan of Lorraine, laid the foundation stone for the Natural History Museum. It is thanks to his passion for collecting that the museum has objects that are 250 years old. Around 1750, the emperor bought what was then probably the most famous and largest collection of natural objects in the world, which was strictly organized according to scientific criteria.

Over the decades, the collection had become so extensive that there was no longer enough space in the Hofburg and Emperor Franz Joseph decided to have a new museum built. After a construction period of 20 years, the museum was officially opened by Emperor Franz Joseph I on August 10, 1889. The imperial dedication can still be read above the magnificent main entrance: “To the kingdom of nature and its exploration”.

The visitor entrance is at the famous Maria-Theresien-Platz and the entrance for wheelchair users is at Burgring 7. Of course, the museum has a handicapped-accessible elevator and handicapped-accessible toilet facilities.

The museum offers its visitors a varied program of events with guided tours, lectures and workshops on changing topics. For visitors of all ages, the world of nature as well as the world of science are brought closer in an entertaining and easily understandable way.

Anyone wishing to pay a visit to this magnificent museum today will be delighted. Admission is free for young people up to the age of 19, admission for adults is € 10.

The Cafà © Nautilus, named after the expedition ship from Jules Verne’s novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”, in the breathtaking domed hall is not only recommended for its ambience. Refreshments and Viennese pastries sweeten the stay in the museum for young and old.