Weltmuseum Wien: Insights into the cultures of the world
In the middle of Vienna Hofburg The Weltmuseum Wien presents one of Europe's most important ethnographic collections. Over 500,000 objects, distributed across 14 thematic exhibition rooms, provide profound insights into the cultural diversity of humanity. The focus is on everyday culture, rituals, arts and crafts, and historical encounters between Europe and other regions of the world. Visitors can expect a modern museum in a historic setting – with impressive architecture and a stylish café inside.
Short info:
- Where is it located? Heroes' Square, 1010 Vienna (entrance via the Neue Burg)
- What is shown? Ethnographic objects from Africa, America, Asia, Oceania and more
- How big is the collection? Over 536,000 objects, of which about 3,000 are permanently on display
- What are the highlights? Aztec feather headdresses, Benin bronzes, African masks, Asian ritual objects
- 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.
- How do you get in? Entrance via the Corps de Logis of the New Castle at Heroes' Square
- Is there a cafe? Yes, the cook café & bistro inside the museum
- Other collections in the building? Court Hunting and Armory as well as Collection of old musical instruments (independent, but included in the ticket)
Collections from all over the world in 14 exhibition halls
The Weltmuseum Wien's permanent exhibition is divided into 14 thematically structured rooms, each of which explores a region or a cultural-historical theme. The centerpiece is the ethnographic collection, which draws on scientific expeditions, research activities, and historical donations. The famous Aztec feather headdress ("Penacho") is considered the collection's most famous object.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Around 37,000 objects document the cultural diversity of the African continent. Of particular note are the elaborate bronzes and ivory works from the Kingdom of Benin and the extensive East African collection. Afro-Portuguese ivory carvings from the 16th century demonstrate early forms of cultural exchange.
Insular Southeast Asia
The collection from the island states of Southeast Asia includes objects from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor Leste, and more. In addition to religious artifacts and ritual objects, everyday objects from inaccessible regions such as the Nicobar and Andaman Islands are also represented.
North Africa, West and Central Asia, Siberia
This collection of approximately 25,000 objects illuminates everyday and material culture from the Sahara to Siberia. Of particular interest are Islamic-influenced objects from North Africa, carpets, weapons, ceramics, and shamanic utensils from Central Asia and Siberia.
North and Central America
In addition to archaeological collections from Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama, this collection also features textiles from Guatemala and ethnographic objects from the northwest coast of North America. The famous feather headdress from Mexico is considered one of the central highlights.
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan
With approximately 28,500 objects—15,000 of which are from Japan alone—this collection is one of the most extensive in the museum. It includes everyday objects, religious objects, and artistic crafts from the 19th century. Taoist paintings and Japanese woodblock prints are particularly noteworthy.
Oceania and Australia
30,000 objects tell of the spiritual and everyday world of cultures in Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Australia. Boomerangs, Maori artwork, dot paintings, and magnificently decorated shields from the Solomon Islands are just a few examples.
South America
With over 18,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects, this collection is one of the most important on the continent. It includes artifacts from Colombia to Argentina, including ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and objects of spiritual life.
South, Southeast Asia and the Himalayas
This collection includes over 30,000 objects from countries such as India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Nepal. Among the exhibits are musical instruments from India, Khmer statues from Cambodia, Vietnamese water puppets, and Buddhist cult objects from the Himalayas.
Photo collection and archive
With over 140,000 historical photographs, the museum is one of the most important institutions of its kind in Europe. The photos document research expeditions from 1880 onwards and are of both cultural and photographic value. The attached archive and academic library are also open to the public upon registration.
Museum café inside
The cook café & bistro Located inside the museum, in the impressive columned hall of the New Castle, it offers breakfast, hot meals, cakes, and drinks – and invites you to linger in a historic setting. The café is accessible even without a museum ticket.
Reference to other collections
In the same building complex are the Court Hunting and Armory as well as the Collection of old musical instruments – both independent collections of the Kunsthistorisches Museum ViennaAccess is via the same main entrance. A combination ticket allows access to several exhibitions in the New Castle.
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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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