Blick auf einen Platz in Wien mit der imposanten Karlskirche im Hintergrund. Umgeben von Bäumen und Grünflächen, sind Menschen auf dem Platz zu sehen. Das Wetter ist sonnig und der Himmel klar. Ein Gebäude im Hintergrund wird renoviert.

Wien Museum at Karlsplatz: Rediscovering Vienna’s History

Today, I would like to take you to the newly renovated Wien Museum at Karlsplatz. From the Austria Classic Hotel Wien, you can reach the museum easily by taking the U1 underground line: simply travel to Karlsplatz station, take the Resselpark exit and walk through the park towards Karlskirche.

The New Wien Museum

After two and a half years of renovation, the Wien Museum has been modernised, extended and redesigned. Today, visitors can look forward to bright rooms, more exhibition space, interactive stations, terraces and a very pleasant atmosphere.

What I find particularly beautiful is that the old entrance portal has been preserved. In this way, the museum combines modern architecture with Viennese history.

Ein opulentes Gemälde einer königlichen Frau in einem prunkvollen Kleid mit goldenen Verzierungen. Sie sitzt an einem Tisch, auf dem eine Torte steht. Der Rahmen ist kunstvoll verziert und zeigt oben ein kleines Bildnis. Zwei antike Skulpturen stehen nebeneinander an einer Wand. Die linke Figur zeigt einen Mann, der seine Arme hebt, während die rechte Figur einen Mann zeigt, der sich bekleidet. Beide sind detailliert gearbeitet und aus hellem Material. Der Eingang zum historischen Museum der Stadt Wien ist sichtbar, mit großen Glastüren, die offenstehen. Im Inneren sind Besucher zu sehen, die sich im Foyer bewegen. Der Boden ist glänzend und reflektiert das Licht.

The Permanent Exhibition on the History of Vienna

The permanent exhibition takes visitors through the history of Vienna – from its beginnings to the present day. You start on the ground floor and work your way up, floor by floor, into the present.

The exhibition is very clearly and vividly designed, with touchpads, seating areas and many fascinating stations. There is also plenty for children to discover. At the moment, admission to the permanent exhibition is free – so it is the perfect opportunity to visit.

My Highlight: The Whale from the Prater

My personal highlight is the large whale hanging from the ceiling in the museum.

As children, we often visited the Prater. There used to be the “Gasthaus zum Walfisch”, and this huge creature towered above its entrance. It sprayed fountains of water, lit up at night and was simply fascinating for us children.

In 2013, the whale was saved from destruction, restored and is now on display at the Wien Museum. When I saw it again, childhood memories came rushing back immediately.

The Südbahnhof Sign

The old sign from the former Südbahnhof has also found a place in the Wien Museum. Today, the Südbahnhof has become Vienna’s main railway station, but the sign still recalls a piece of Viennese city history.

I think it is wonderful that memories like this are preserved.

My Little Discovery in Grünangergasse

In the museum, I discovered a painting of the “Straßenbörse Grünangergasse” from 1840. Afterwards, I wanted to see what this lane looks like today.

So we made our way towards the city centre and spontaneously took the small electric bus 2A. It travels through narrow streets all the way to Stephansplatz – a lovely way to experience Vienna from a different perspective.

From there, we walked to Grünangergasse. And indeed, compared to the old painting, surprisingly little had changed. The beautiful portal was still there, as were the buildings next to it.

In moments like these, I always think to myself: Vienna is simply beautiful!

My Conclusion on the Wien Museum

The new Wien Museum is absolutely worth a visit. You can learn a great deal about the history of Vienna, discover personal keepsakes from the city and experience a museum that is modern, lively and designed with great care.

I wish you lots of fun exploring and many wonderful impressions.

Yours,
Ingeborg