Narrenturm Vienna: From the first psychiatric institution to the exhibition collection
The Narrenturm is one of Vienna's most unusual museums. The listed circular building on the grounds of the Old General Hospital was built in the 18th century as Europe's first psychiatric institution and today houses the pathological-anatomical collection of the Natural History Museum Vienna.
The visit is not for the faint of heart: The exhibition includes, among other things, human remains. Out of respect for the deceased, photography is strictly prohibited and monitored by cameras. The photos used here were kindly provided by the National Museum of Natural History (NHM).
Short info:
- Where is he? Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Vienna (Altes AKH Campus)
- What can you see there? Over 50,000 pathological specimens, wax models, skeletons, historical instruments
- What is special about the building? First building in Europe built exclusively for mentally ill people (1784)
- What are the opening hours? Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00 (open on public holidays, except December 25 and January 1)
- How much does the entrance fee cost? Regular price €8,–; up to 19 years & Culture Pass: free. Here you can find all prices. Free with the Federal Museums Card.
- Is a guided tour possible? Yes, optionally bookable for € 5,–
- Is the access barrier-free? Yes
- Who is the visit suitable for? Recommended for ages 14 and up
- Is photography allowed? No – photography and filming are prohibited and will be monitored by camera
From the “madhouse” to the medical exhibition collection
The Narrenturm was built in 1784 under Emperor Joseph II – as first institution in Europe, which served exclusively for the medical care of mentally ill people. The name "Narrenturm" (Fool's Tower) originates from this original use and has remained in Viennese usage to this day, even though the building is no longer an institution. The striking circular structure was designed by architect Josef Gerl. It was personally financed by the emperor – an expression of Joseph's reforms in the health care system. Today, the tower is a listed building and is owned by the University of Vienna.
As early as the 19th century, the building was deemed unsuitable for its original purpose. From 1866 onward, it was used for other purposes—for example, as storage space, a workshop, and later as housing for employees of the General Hospital. It wasn't until 1971 that the Federal Museum of Pathology and Anatomy moved into the tower, which was incorporated into the Natural History Museum Vienna in 2012 as the pathology and anatomy collection.
The collection – medical, historical and emotional
Today, the collection is presented on the completely renovated ground floor of the Narrenturm (Fool's Tower). 19 thematically structured rooms provide insights into the history of medicine and pathology. The display collection features over 50,000 objects – including wet specimens, skeletons, wax models, textbooks, and historical instruments. The exhibition is designed to appeal not only to medical professionals, but also to interested laypeople and school classes.
The presentation of the collection in the tower's former cells is particularly impressive. Topics range from general disease processes such as infections or tumors to specific organ pathology. The presentation is complemented by an augmented reality station, wall graphics, and interactive elements.
Some of the exhibits are over 200 years old and were prepared in strict compliance with international guidelines for the presentation of human specimens. The presentation deliberately remains objective and avoids any form of sensationalism.
Ethics and photo ban
A central theme when visiting the Narrenturm is the respectful treatment of the exhibited human specimens. Therefore, photography and filming are strictly prohibited. This ban is regularly communicated via loudspeaker announcements and monitored by a camera system. The photos shown in this article were taken with the express permission of the Natural History Museum Vienna made available.
Architecture and spatial effect
The Narrenturm is a building with a strong presence: The massive circular structure with five floors, 28 cells per floor, and a central axis ("chord") still conveys its original purpose. The exterior appearance was brought closer to its original state during the renovation – including the dismantling of later alterations.
Special exhibitions and use today
In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are regularly changing special exhibitions. A small museum shop is also located on the ground floor. Furthermore, certain areas of the building can be rented for events.
Species conservation project at the Narrenturm
An interesting side note: An urban biodiversity project has been implemented at the Narrenturm. The goal is to provide new habitats for protected animal species such as bats and kestrels in urban areas. Nesting boxes were installed on the building in close collaboration with the Federal Monuments Office, the University of Vienna, and the Vienna Department of Environmental Protection (MA 22). The project is funded by the European Union's Biodiversity Fund (NextGenerationEU).
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| day | opening hours |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
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