Our programme for young and old

Travelling back in time together: Do you want to discover pyramids in Ancient Egypt or meet ancient heroes? Want to discover the secrets of Renaissance and Baroque painters or marvel at precious objects made of gold, coconut, or ivory? Our art educators will introduce you to one of the museum's collections! In the Hofburg and Wagenburg, they reveal interesting facts about knightly fashion made of steel, specific musical instruments, imperial crowns, or vehicles in which the Habsburg family travelled by coach.

Everyone has heard of mummies! But are you brave enough to meet one? Here at the museum you have the opportunity to do just that: We will discuss how and why the dead were mummified in Ancient Egypt, how expensive this was, and which objects were a must in Ancient Egyptian tombs. 

Have you ever heard of Hercules, Odysseus, or Ariadne? Ancient myths often tell of heroes who experience exciting adventures: They bravely face fearsome monsters or use strength and cunning to put a stop to their opponents. Learn more about the glorious deeds and misadventures of ancient heroes, in which the gods usually had a hand.

Watch out, things are getting wild: Many animals are hidden in the museum – very small and really huge, harmless and dangerous. And a few mythical creatures are also up to mischief here. Do you dare to pay them a visit? Come with us on an exciting journey through the Picture Gallery!

Travel through the year with us – without sun cream and a thick winter coat: Spring shows itself in a vibrant dress of flowers, and Ms Summer brings us colourful delicacies with a grin! Then autumn leaves the trees bare, and we pay a visit to cold King Winter: When he rules, there's snow, frozen lakes, sleigh rides, and ice stock sport. We will discuss what the seasons meant for people's lives in past centuries, and how they were depicted.  

Whether hard as stone, soft as wax, red as fire, or white as snow – many different materials can be found in the Kunstkammer. They have all been transformed into extraordinary works of art by artists. In the Kunstkammer, we reveal which tricks and techniques were used. You will also find out where the materials originally came from, and what properties and powers people attributed to them in the past. 

There are more elephants and rhinos in the Kunstkammer than in any zoo in the world! However, they are not always easy to spot. Go in search of the pachyderms and discover some amazing things: When was the first elephant brought to Vienna? How did people imagine rhinos? And why were the grey giants so popular with rulers of the past? 

Travel with us back to the age of chivalry and see the most expensive fashion of all time: What did Emperor Maximilian I wear when he held a tournament? What weapons did knights fight with? What did the winner get? And how does it feel to wear metal garments? Find out: A real helmet, huge gloves, and a heavy metal sword await you!