Short Info:
- What is the Technical Museum in Vienna and what kind of exhibits does it offer? It is dedicated to the history of technology and scientific discoveries.
- What significant artifacts or exhibits are displayed in the museum? It has one of the largest collections of historical vehicles in Europe, including steam locomotives, trams, cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and ships.
- Where is it located? Mariahilfer Str. 212, 1140 Vienna
- When is it open and how much does admission cost? The Technical Museum Vienna is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (weekends & holidays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm). Closing days: January 1, May 1, December 25 & 31. Admission prices vary depending on age and type of visitors, but there are also discounted tickets available for groups, families, and students. Here you can find the opening hours and prices.
- How much time should you plan for a visit? At least 2 hours. Children can also spend half a day here.
General
The Technical Museum Vienna is a museum dedicated to the history of technology and scientific discoveries. It offers a variety of exhibitions focusing on different areas of technology, including transportation, energy, communication, and medicine. The museum is also known for its collection of historical vehicles, airplanes, and ships, as well as its interactive exhibits and activities.
Especially popular with families with children, the museum has indoor playgrounds. There is a very popular slide with speed measurement right in the entrance area.
The Collection of the Technical Museum Vienna
The Technical Museum Vienna has an extensive collection of exhibits, including historical vehicles such as steam locomotives (children can shovel “coal” into the locomotive until it leaves), cars, and airplanes, as well as instruments and devices from the fields of electronics, telecommunications, and medicine. Some of the most famous exhibits include a replica of the world’s first functional automobile, the “Sissi Star,” one of Austria’s first steam locomotives, and a model of the Mir space station.
Historical Vehicles
The Technical Museum Vienna has one of the largest collections of historical vehicles in Europe, including steam locomotives, trams, cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and ships. Some of the most famous vehicles include the “Sissi Star,” a steam railcar from 1898, and the Austro-Daimler ADR 6 sports car, which was driven by celebrities such as Ferdinand Porsche and Tazio Nuvolari.
Activities and Workshops for Children and Families
There are many activities and workshops for children and families at the Technical Museum Vienna, including interactive exhibits, science shows, workshops, and laboratory tours. These activities are designed to inspire children and young people to engage with science and technology and give them the opportunity to conduct experiments and experience technical principles for themselves.
Here you can find a daily program for children & families as well as for youth & adults.
For example, in the “In Motion” interactive exhibit, children can pull tires weighing up to 1,400 kg!
Especially for children
Miniexplore
This new interactive exhibition is designed specifically for families with children between the ages of 3 and 8. Here, children can playfully discover and try out the world of mathematics, computer science, natural science, and technology (MINT). The interactive stations not only promote technical and scientific understanding, but also skills such as communication, cooperation, creativity, and problem-solving competence. The artistic and architecturally varied design of the space supports children’s enthusiasm for movement and discovery. In order to provide optimal opportunities for development, places in miniXplore and also in the Mini are limited and can be used within a 40-minute time slot. Reservation is possible for a fee of €2.50 per person, and remaining slots can be booked directly at the ticket counter on the same day. Reserve here.
Mini
Here, little explorers can try everything, touch everything, and move around a lot. Children aged 2-6 can playfully discover and experience technology and natural sciences with all their senses. Whether they want to sit behind the wheel of a fire engine, lift off into the air, or create sounds by hopping – everything is possible in the “Mini”. For a break, children can browse through one of the children’s books or take a drawing break. Children’s birthdays or excursions with kindergarten groups are also possible.
Tipp: the free 45-minute slots are often fully booked, so be sure to reserve tickets in advance!
Birdly – the VR flying experience
The Technisches Museum Wien offers the VR flying experience Birdly®, where visitors can explore cities, underwater worlds, or the age of dinosaurs like birds thanks to virtual reality technology and robotics. Users control the flight by moving their arms themselves and even feel the wind in their face. Accompanying persons can follow the flight on a screen. The flight lasts about 3-4 minutes and tickets can be booked online or at the museum ticket counter within a 30-minute time frame.
Guided tours and audio guides
The Technisches Museum Wien offers guided tours and audio guides, which are available in German and English. The guided tours can be booked online in advance, while the audio guides can be borrowed directly at the museum. There are also special tours for children and families as well as for school groups.
Gastronomy and Accessibility
There is a restaurant and a cafeteria where visitors can enjoy a wide selection of food and drinks. The restaurant offers both regional and international cuisine, while the cafeteria serves snacks, coffee, and refreshments, making it a great option for a quick bite.
Conclusion
The Technical Museum of Vienna is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of technology and scientific discoveries. The museum’s collection is impressive and offers a fascinating insight into the development of technology over time. The interactive exhibitions and activities make the museum a unique experience for both young and old, with children being particularly well catered for. For those living in Vienna, we recommend getting an annual pass, as the indoor children’s play areas provide a welcome diversion on rainy days.
Also Nearby:
The Schönbrunn Palace is within sight, as well as the Schönbrunn Zoo and the Schönbrunn Desert Experience House.