Vienna Court Hunting and Armoury: Magnificent armour and weapons from five centuries
The Court Hunting and Armoury is one of the world's most important collections of historical weapons, armour and riding equipment. Housed in the New Castle of the Hofburg on Heroes' Square, it displays magnificent objects from the Habsburgs' possessions, dating from the Middle Ages to the late 18th century. Visitors experience a fascinating combination of craftsmanship, representation, and military history – right in the heart of the former representative rooms of the imperial Hofburg.
Short info:
- Where is it located? New Castle, Heroes' Square, 1010 Vienna (access via the entrance of the Weltmuseum Vienna)
- What is shown? Ceremonial armor, weapons, tournament equipment, riding gear and hunting equipment
- How many objects does the collection contain? Over 1,000 exhibits in the permanent exhibition
- What are the highlights? Parade armor of Emperor Maximilian II, children's armor, ceremonial weapons, hunting equipment
- 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 Collection of old musical instruments.
- How do you get in? Via the same entrance as the Weltmuseum Vienna, follow the signs inside (1st floor)
- Is it barrier-free accessible? Yes, elevators are available
One of the most important armament collections in Europe
The Court Hunting and Armoury dates back to Habsburg collecting activities since the 15th century. The majority of the exhibited pieces come from the possessions of emperors, archdukes, and members of the high nobility. The collection includes ceremonial armor for representational purposes, tournament armor, military weapons, parade helmets, riding equipment, children's armor, and weapons with elaborate engravings and inlays.
The objects were not only used as weapons of war, but were also expressions of power, wealth, and courtly culture. Many pieces were specially crafted for special occasions such as coronations, military campaigns, or courtly festivals.
Highlights of the exhibition
One of the highlights is the magnificent parade armor of Emperor Maximilian II., which is decorated with artistic engravings. Tournament outfits, including armor for the so-called "races" and "jumpings," also provide fascinating insights into courtly festive culture.
Particularly impressive are:
- Children's armor, which were made for the sons of the nobility
- Oriental-influenced ceremonial weaponswhich were diplomatic gifts
- Hunting equipment and riding gear, which underline the high value of courtly hunting
Some exhibits are presented together with paintings and engravings from the period to illustrate the historical context.
Presentation in the New Castle
The exhibition is divided into several rooms and organized thematically. The architecture of the New Castle—with high vaults, marble columns, and stucco-decorated ceilings—creates an impressive atmosphere for the presentation of the objects. The display cases feature a modern design, many areas contain bilingual information (German/English), and some also include multimedia stations.
Note: Independent collection in the same building complex
The Court Hunting and Armoury is an independent collection within the New Castle and belongs – like the Weltmuseum Vienna - for the Kunsthistorisches Museum ViennaAccess is via the same entrance as the Weltmuseum Vienna, but the collections are clearly separated from each other inside.
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| day | opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 21:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
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