Discover Imperial Vienna: Following in the footsteps of the Habsburgs beyond Schönbrunn Palace

At the Vienna Furniture Museum, you’ll gain a unique insight into the living world of the Habsburgs. Unlike traditional museums, this collection doesn’t just display individual pieces of furniture; it tells the story of interior design across several centuries.

With around 165,000 objects, the museum is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Even though only a portion of the collection is on display, it’s more than enough to give you a sense of how style, comfort, and functionality have evolved.

The fascinating history behind the museum

What appears today as a modern museum originally began as a practical institution: a sort of central furniture logistics hub for the monarchy. As early as 1747, during the reign of Maria Theresa, a Court Furniture Inspector was appointed. His task was to maintain an overview of the entire furnishings of the imperial residences.

This was necessary because many of the Habsburg palaces were not permanently furnished. Instead, furniture was transported, set up, and later stored again depending on where the imperial family was staying. You can imagine the organizational effort that went into this.

Over time, this “Imperial Furniture Depot” grew into a significant collection. It has been open to the public since the 20th century and was eventually transformed into the museum we know today.

The Collections at the Furniture Museum: From Splendor to Functionality

At the Furniture Museum, you’ll encounter various eras and styles that show how tastes and lifestyles have changed over the centuries.

Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism

The oldest pieces of furniture on display date back to the time of Maria Theresa. Opulent splendor dominates here: elaborate ornamentation, fine materials, and intricate craftsmanship. Many pieces came directly from the imperial family’s collection or from prominent figures such as Prince Eugene of Savoy.

Influences from East Asia, which were highly valued at the time and are reflected in the designs and ornamentation, are also particularly striking.

Empire and Biedermeier

In the 19th century, the style changed significantly. The Empire style continued to emphasize grandeur and the display of power, inspired by antiquity. At the same time, the Biedermeier style emerged as a much simpler yet very elegant interior design.

In the museum, you can even see entire rooms furnished in the Biedermeier style. This gives you a realistic picture of how living spaces were actually used back then.

Historicism and Unconventional Designs

In the second half of the 19th century, design became more whimsical again and, in some cases, even extravagant. Historicism drew on older styles and recombined them in new ways. Some of the exhibits seem almost unusual today—such as rooms furnished with antler pieces or featuring particularly opulent decorations.

Modernism and Design from the 20th Century Onward

After the end of the monarchy, the focus shifted: functionality and practicality for everyday use became more important than ostentation. Especially after the world wars, affordability also played a major role. In the museum, you’ll therefore find many examples of modern furniture design right up to the present day.

Film history: The world of the Sissi films

A special treat awaits you if you’re a fan of the famous Sissi films. The museum displays props, posters, and background information on the productions starring Romy Schneider. Much of the furniture used comes directly from the museum’s collection.

Visiting the Furniture Museum: What You Need to Know

The Vienna Furniture Museum is fully accessible and offers a range of services to make your visit enjoyable. There are seating areas in the exhibition, and wheelchairs are available for rent.

A major advantage is the free audio guide, which is available in several languages. This allows you to explore the exhibition flexibly and at your own pace. If you want to delve deeper, guided tours and special exhibitions are also a good choice.

An absolute highlight for anyone interested in the Austrian monarchy is the Sisi Museum.

Here, you’ll get to know Elisabeth not only as an empress, but above all as a human being. The museum showcases many facets of her life—from her youth to her role at court and her numerous travels.

You’ll learn why she struggled with the strict rules of court life and why she often tried to escape it. Her intense obsession with beauty and her tragic end are also covered in detail.

Another perk: Your ticket also grants you access to the Imperial Apartments in the Hofburg. There, you can tour the living quarters of Sisi and Franz Joseph I and get an authentic glimpse into their daily lives.

If you’re in the mood to get out of Vienna for a bit, you should plan a trip to Schloss Hof. The palace is located in the Marchfeld region and is one of the most impressive Baroque complexes in the area.

It was originally acquired by Prince Eugene of Savoy and later expanded and redesigned by Maria Theresa.

What to Expect at Schloss Hof

What makes Schloss Hof special is its combination of several areas to explore:

•    The Palace: Here you’ll gain insights into the life of the nobility in the 18th century

•    The Gardens: A Baroque garden spread across several terraces with stunning views

•    The Estate: A lively area featuring workshops, stables, and animals 

The farmstead in particular makes the visit especially varied. You not only see historic buildings, but also get a sense of how a palace was maintained back then.

Schloss Hof is also a great destination for families, as there is plenty to discover and the grounds are very spacious.