Collection of old musical instruments Vienna

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Collection of old musical instruments Vienna

Collection of old musical instruments Vienna

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Collection of Old Musical Instruments Vienna: Sound History to See and Hear

The collection of old musical instruments is located in the New Castle at Heroes' Square and is one of the most important of its kind in Europe. It features historical instruments from the 15th to the 19th century – many of them from imperial ownership or from the circles of important composers. The exhibition offers a unique insight into music history and presents numerous masterpieces of instrument making – some of which can also be heard via audio stations.

Short info:

Where is it located? New Castle, Heroes' Square, 1010 Vienna (access via the entrance of the Weltmuseum Vienna)
What is shown? Historical keyboard, string, wind and plucked instruments from five centuries
How many objects are there? Over 700 instruments in the permanent exhibition
What are the highlights? Fortepianos by Beethoven and Mozart, Baroque violins, ornately decorated spinets
How much time should I plan? 1 hour
When is it open? Daily except Monday, 10:00–18:00, Thu: 10:00–21:00 (as of 2025)
Is there a fee for admission? Yes, tickets start at around 16 € for adults, free with the Federal Museums Card, here you can find all prices. With the ticket you can also enter Weltmuseum Vienna and to Court Hunting and Armory.
How do you get in? Via the same entrance as the Weltmuseum Vienna, follow the signs inside, up to the 1st floor.
Is it barrier-free accessible? Yes, elevators are available

Instruments from the Middle Ages to Viennese Classicism

The collection includes keyboard instruments such as harpsichords, clavichords, and fortepianos, including some that were verifiably played by famous composers or were part of their circle. Of particular note is a Fortepiano by Conrad Graf, as well as him Beethoven used.

Numerous Violins, violas and cellos come from important violin makers from Central Europe and Italy – some with elaborate decorations, inlays or unusual shapes. There are also plucked instruments such as lutes and mandolins as well as wind instruments from different eras, including serpents and prongs.

Some instruments are still in working order and are used at special events or concerts – a rare glimpse (and sound) into the past.

Presentation and media stations

The instruments are grouped thematically in elegant display cases. Numerous listening stations offer short musical examples played on identical instruments. This allows you to experience the sound of a baroque spinet, a transverse flute, or a fortepiano.

The labels are bilingual (German/English) and provide both technical and historical information about the exhibits.

architecture and atmosphere

The exhibition is housed in several rooms within the New Castle. The combination of historical ambience and meticulous presentation creates a calm, focused atmosphere. Anyone who loves music or is interested in the history of instruments will find an exceptional, high-quality collection here.

Note: Part of the New Castle, but independent

The collection of old musical instruments is – like the Court Hunting and Armory – an independent collection of Kunsthistorisches Museum ViennaAccess is via the common entrance to the New Castle at Heroes' Square. Whoever World Museum or other collections in the same building, you can visit several areas with a combination ticket.