The House of Music is the first museum of its kind in Austria. It was established in 2000 and offers its visitors a unique experience that impressively combines a variety of interactive and creative displays related to the world of music – from ancient times when humans learned to use musical instruments to the present day. This is a recommended museum for the whole family and is also accessible to people with disabilities!
The museum building itself is impressive as it is located in what was the residential palace of Archduke Charles and where Otto Nicolai, the founder of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, lived. The museum has 5 floors and an inner courtyard. The first four floors are used for exhibitions, and the top floor is used for performances and events.
Here is a short explanation in English of the museum and all its activities:
Purchase tickets online for admission to the House of Music
Details of the Exhibitions in the Museum
1. First Floor – Museum of the Vienna Philharmonic
In the historic rooms of the palace, you will find a museum with exhibits about the famous Viennese orchestra, which actually began its journey in this very building. This exhibition is located in the apartment that was used by the composer and conductor Otto Nicolai, who was also one of the founders of the Vienna Philharmonic. You can browse various documents related to the orchestra and also play the interactive game called the “Waltz-Dice-Game.”
In addition to the exhibition, this floor also has a wonderful and beautifully equipped concert hall where concerts featuring the finest musical pieces are held.
2. Second Floor – Sonosphere
On this floor, you can explore and learn about various sound phenomena, from the simplest to the most complex. In the displays on this floor, you can experience music as you never have before and learn through play and experimentation about sounds and melodies. In the part called “prenatal sensory rush,” you can experience sounds as babies hear them in their mother’s womb, and in the Instrumentarium room, you can learn about oversized musical instruments.
3. Third Floor – The Great Composers
The Viennese music world would not have reached its greatness and importance without key figures and gifted composers who brought exceptionally beautiful works to the world. Famous composers like Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Mahler, Berg, and others are presented in a comprehensive exhibition on this floor. You can learn about the world of these composers through a variety of exhibits including documents, models, clothing, and personal items. Additionally, educational films are screened to enrich the learning experience on this floor.
The Virtual Conductor – You can try your talent at conducting an entire orchestra. Play the fun game and learn about the challenge of conducting an orchestra in front of an excited and impatient audience.
4. Fourth Floor – The Virtual Stage
This interactive display allows you to create your own unique music experience. Control the stage design and music with a wave of your hand. The virtual stage is like an opera house in every sense – an audience, display stages, and a show that must go on – and it’s all in your hands!
For children, there is a separate game called the Zoo Concert, where they will embark on a fun musical journey following fairy tales.
Other Parts of the Museum
The Event Floor
The fifth floor of the museum is used for musical events, of course. There are events throughout the year. You can watch interesting and varied concerts. For information on upcoming events, visit the museum’s website.
The Inner Courtyard
The museum’s inner courtyard is covered by a glass roof and serves as a space for a changing exhibition, with free admission. Additionally, there is a nice café here, the Nicolai café, as well as snack machines.
Essential Information for Visiting the House of Music
Opening Hours:
Open every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Last admission is at 9:30 PM.
Costs:
- Adult: €17
- Student (up to age 27), Seniors: €13
- Child under 12: €7
- Child under 3: Free
- Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children under 12): €35
Please note: A combined ticket for the House of Music and the Mozarthaus can be purchased at the museum. The combined ticket costs:
- Adult: €22
- Student (up to age 27), Seniors: €15
- Child under 12: €10
- Child under 3: Free
Purchase tickets online for admission to the House of Music
Address: Seilerstätte 30, 1010 Wien
How to get to the museum by public transport?
The House of Music is located in the first district of Vienna, in the Old City. It is situated between St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera. The museum can be easily reached from Karlsplatz or from St. Stephen’s Square.
There are several ways to get there by public transport:
- Subway: You can take the U1 (red line), U2 (purple line), or U4 (green line) to the Karlsplatz station. From the station exit, you will need to walk for about 7 minutes towards the center of the Old City.
- Alternatively, you can take subway lines U3 (orange line) or U1 (red line) and get off at Stephansplatz station. From there, you will need to walk along the beautiful Kärntnerstrasse shopping street for about 9 minutes until you reach the museum.
- Tram: Tram lines 1 and 62 stop at the Karlsplatz/Oper station, and from there, you will need to walk for about 7 minutes. Another option is to take trams 2, 71, or D and get off at the Schwarzenbergplatz stop. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk.
Map:
If you want to continue your musical experience in Vienna, you can join a tour of the Opera House or go to a wonderful opera performance (you can buy very cheap tickets if you watch the performance standing). You can also go to a concert at the Wiener Musikverein and enjoy an exceptional philharmonic performance. If you are looking for more concerts worth seeing in Vienna, read about the most recommended concerts in Vienna in the comprehensive list we have prepared.
