Austria takes pride in its museums, so it’s not surprising that many offer free entry, not just for children and students but also for adults. While some only open their doors gratis on certain days – like the first Sunday of each month – others even go so far as never charging.
Here are some well-known museums which offer free admission, as well as some information on the Kulturpass (culture pass), a special initiative that grants access to numerous cultural institutions to people with little to no income.
1. Gedenkstätte Steinhof
A permanent exhibition by the Dokumentationsarchiv des Österreichischen Widerstands (Documentation Center of Austrian Resistance), this memorial at the Otto Wagner Hospital remembers the mentally or physically disabled adults and children that were euthanized by the Third Reich. With more than 7,500 either deported to concentration camps, used for unethical medical research or killed by deliberate starvation and systematic neglect, the crimes of the Nazi regime are carefully documented for posterity – lest we forget.
Otto Wagner Spital, Pavillion V
14., Baumgartner Höhe 1
Wed-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat 14:00-18:00
2. Wagner:Werk Museum
Vienna’s best known architect and city planner, the Secessionist Otto Wagner left his mark on the city like few others, designing Jugendstil subway stations, hospitals and other public works. His iconic Postsparkasse (Postal Savings Bank) building is now transformed into luxury flats, but thankfully, it still houses the Wagner:Werk Museum, dedicated to his life and work.
1., Georg Coch-Platz 2
Daily 10:00-17:00
3. Heeresgeschichtliches Museum
Following their witty slogan “Wars belong in museums,” this institution devoted to Austria’s martial history boasts an impressive permanent exhibition, chronicling the armed forces from the 30-year war till today. Of particular interest are their WWI displays, featuring uniforms, aircraft and event the bullet-riddled uniform of Franz Ferdinand himself. It’s also worth a visit for its remarkable Neo-Gothic architecture, the work of Theophil Hansen and Ludwig Förster.
3., Arsenal, Objekt 1
Daily 9:00-17:00
Free admission every first Sunday of each month
4. Hermesvilla
An idyllic mansion in the middle of the Lainzer Tiergarten – previously the private hunting ground of the Emperor – the Hermesvilla was a gift from Franz Joseph to his wife, Elisabeth, enabling her to stay far away from the bustle of court. With interiors designed by the likes of Gustav Klimt, Hugo Charlemont and Franz Matsch, a wonderful collection of personal effects and artwork formerly owned by the imperial family awaits, showing the private side of the empress.
13., Lainzer Tiergarten
Mar 27- Nov 1, Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00
Free admission every first Sunday of each month
THE KULTURPASS
A special card granting free access to many major museums, cultural institutions and festivals, the Kulturpass can be issued to welfare recipients, the unemployed or low income households – the eligible need only apply. A list of museums and festivals is to be found on the official site. Valid for all partner venues, cardholders need only present a photo ID.
