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VIENNA

The Vienna museums you can go to for free

Vienna is lucky to have a plethora of museums and, happily, it doesn't always have to cost a fortune to dive into some culture. Find out when and where to go without having to fork out a cent.

natural history museum vienna
Vienna's Natural History Museum, one of the many museums you can go to for free in the city if you're under 19. Photo: Joachim Pressl on Unsplash

As tickets for major historical sites and museums in Austria can cost upwards of €10 per person, there are big savings to be made if you go at the right time (or if you happen to be the right age!). 

Many of the city’s museums are free to enter on the first Sunday of each month, some are free to children under 19 and others are completely free for everyone all year round.

Free entry on the first Sunday of the month

Vienna has a permanent scheme whereby you can visit certain museums for free on the first Sunday of each month – it’s understandably a hit with both tourists and residents.

It includes over 15 museums that otherwise charge entry, including some of The Local’s favourites.

There’s the Hermes Villa, dubbed the ‘Palace of Dreams’ by Sisi, aka Empress Elisabeth, who received it as a gift from her husband. The romantic 19th century mansion takes its name from the statue of Hermes in its idyllic gardens. The entry fee is usually €7. 

The Beethoven Museum where the German composer wrote some of his most famous music is also on the list. The small apartment-turned-museum (where the composer lived and worked) on the outskirts of the city offers insights into his work and the impact of his growing deafness. The lock of hair, which helped uncover the cause of his death, is also on show. It usually costs €8 per person to visit.

Free entry for those under the age of 19

And if you’re lucky enough to be under 19, there’s an even longer list (more than 20 museums) to choose from where you’ll be guaranteed free entry.

The huge collection of works by major names in the art world and an immense graphic art collection (think Leonardo Da Vinci to Klimt and Schiele), means a visit to the Albertina is always worth it. General admission is €18.90.

READ ALSO: Rarely seen Klimt painting returns to Austria after 60 years

Vienna’s Natural History Museum, founded 270 years ago, is also on the list. There are plenty of interactive displays in the ornate building, helping you learn more about dinosaurs – there’s an animatronic allosaurus – meteorites, prehistoric times and zoology. It’s also home to the 29,000-year-old Venus of Willendorf statue – the faceless 11cm-tall figurine is thought to be one of the oldest surviving works of art. The History of Art Museum on the other side of the square is also on the list. Those over 19 pay €16 to get in.

Free entry for all, all year round

There are over 25 museums, galleries and monuments in Vienna, including the interactive fun of the Circus and Clown Museum and experimental art studio Das Weisse Haus, where everyone can go in for free all year round. 

What else should I know?

You can find a full list of the sites included and links to further information for each on the City of Vienna’s website here (in German only).

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DISCOVER AUSTRIA

Ten unmissable events in Austria this June

June is packed full of vibrant summer events all over Austria. Here are ten of the best.

Ten unmissable events in Austria this June

1st to 4th of June: Narzissenfest, Bad Aussee

Every year, the Ausseerland-Salzkammergut region is transformed into a sea of yellow and white as blooming daffodils cover the landscape.

To celebrate, the region hosts the annual Narzissenfest (daffodil festival) –  Austria’s largest flower festival.

This year, the town of Bad Aussee will host the festival’s main attractions – including the Narzissennacht (daffodil night) and the parade of the daffodil figures on June 4th, which culminates with the announcement of the winning figure at 3 pm.

1st to 18th of June: Vienna Pride

For the first half of June, Austria’s Capital will host a variety of events to celebrate diversity, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights during Vienna Pride.

The event’s main attraction will be the Pride Parade – also known as the Rainbow Parade – on June 17th, where more than 250,000 people are expected to celebrate and demonstrate together in the city centre. 

The Rainbow Parade in Vienna, 2019. Photo: John Samuel/Wikimedia Commons

Other highlights include a contest of Austria’s top drag artists on June 9th, and Vienna Pool Day on June 4th at the Schönbrunn outdoor swimming pool.

3rd to 25th of June: Baden Rose Days, Baden

Every year, the Rosarium in the charming spa town of Baden, near Vienna, comes to life for three weeks during the Badener Rosentage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of blooming roses and enjoy over 25,000 rose bushes comprising more than 900 distinct varieties of the romantic flower.

To mark the onset of the rose blossom season in Baden, the city will host an exciting lineup of concerts on Saturday, June 3rd. The evening’s program will culminate with a piece fusing rock, opera, and classical music, promising an unforgettable experience.

7th to 11th of June, Spring Festival, Graz

For five days, springfestival Graz will transform the entire city of Graz into a buzzing hub of art and electronic music.

This unique event blends its artistic programme with the distinctive architectural features of the city, expanding beyond traditional venues like clubs and bars to include parks, warehouses, and other public spaces.

READ NEXT: Discover Austria: 7 must-see destinations for a spring break

The festival is known for its electronic art and music, and it will feature musical performances and poetry slams at various venues, most of which are situated within walking distance of the city centre.

8th June to 2nd of July – Kikeriki Children’s Short Film Festival, Tulln

The second edition of the Kikeriki Children’s Short Film Festival promises to be a great event for Austria’s little culture lovers. 

There will be 33 short films from Austria and 15 other countries and art workshops on offer every Thursday and Sunday afternoon throughout the festival at the Kunstwerkstatt in Tulln.

8th of June: Sommernachtskonzert, Vienna

On the 8th of June, the Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna will host a spectacular – and free – musical programme from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Over 100,000 people are expected to flock to the palace park to enjoy the Summer Night Concert, which this year will be led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin – music director of the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

The Summer Night Concert in 2019 in the Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna.

The Summer Night Concert in 2019 in the Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna. Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag/Wikimedia Commons

Soloist Elīna Garanča – a well-known name in the Austrian classical music scene – will sing three arias from Georges Bizet’s “Carmen”, from Charles Gounod’s “Sapho” and from Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Samson et Dalila”.

9th to 17th of June 2023: Tanz Ist Festival, Dornbirn

Established in 1994 by dancer and choreographer Günter Marinelli, tanz ist festival has become a renowned international dance festival that fosters collaborations between artists and institutions.

Each year, the festival focuses on a specific theme and explores various aspects of the dance world. In this edition, the spotlight shines on Canada, offering a glimpse into the country’s dance avant-garde. The programme showcases both emerging talents and renowned figures who have left an indelible mark on the dance scene.

9th to 24th of June: Sonnwendfeier, Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal

Every year in June the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal region along the Danube river comes alive with dazzling summer solstice celebrations.

Throughout the period, local towns and villages alongside the river and in the river valley host traditional midsummer celebrations, from bonfires to fireworks to displays of thousands of floating lights covering the Danube river.

23rd to 25th of June: The Donauinselfest, Vienna

The Donauinselfest, also known as the Danube Island Festival, is one of Europe’s largest open-air music festivals.

It takes place on the Danube Island, where numerous stages will host performances by both local and international artists.

READ ALSO: Bonnie Tyler and RAF Camora: What are the highlights of Austria’s 2023 Donauinselfest?

As well as music, there will be cultural performances, art exhibitions, entertainment for children, food stalls and drink stands to keep everyone entertained. 

25th of June: Alpine Summer Opening, Lungau

Old customs and traditions remain strong in the Salzburgerland region and every year, a different town hosts a lively festival to mark the official start of the Alpine summer

This year, the festivities will be held at the Branntweinerhütte and the Kösslbacher Alm on the Aineck above St. Margarethen in Salzburg’s Lungau region. There’ll be music, traditional Alpine dances and cuisine.

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