The Funeral Museum was established in 1967 and was originally located in Vienna’s 4th district, at Goldegggasse 4. Since its reopening on the 13th October 2014, it can be found in the basement of the Aufbahrungshalle 2 (Funeral Parlour 2) at the Vienna Central Cemetery in Simmering. The new museum is based on the cooperation of the ARGE OMS, checkpointmedia, and architect Gustav Pichelmann. Visitors describe their experiences in the Vienna Funeral Museum as “More than worthwhile”, “surprisingly interesting”, “somewhat spooky”, and “almost peculiar”.
300m² – 250 exhibition pieces – 30 stations
In addition to the monthly “Object of the Week” where products about funerals are presented, you will find a variety of exhibits in the exhibition. These are not only coffins and urns, which sometimes look rather curious (football-shaped urns, to name just one example) but also original pieces such as the “fourgon”, a coach used as a hearse at the turn of the last century, or uniforms from past times to today, such as that of the Spanish Ceremonial Court. Further interesting objects, such as the heart palpitation knife and the life-saving clock bring the fear of being buried alive to the museum.
History through multimedia in the Funeral Museum
While going through the museum, you can learn about the history of funerals by way of adapted modern features. 13 monitors give visitors the chance to watch a presentation on the funerals of Franz Josef I and Albert Baron Rothschild, including the grand funeral procession. These multimedia stations make the original exhibits a true museum experience in the world of the Viennese death. Those who wish to can also round off their visit with a detailed tour of the famous Vienna Central Cemetery nearby and pay their respects at the graves of numerous personalities such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Falco, or Franz Schubert. The museum shop offers countless creative items to match the theme.
Highlights & Events
- Regular special exhibitions
- Original fourgon from the turn of the century
- Uniforms from the Spanish Ceremonial Court as well as gowns from the modern age
- Mourning jewellery, comparisons between poor and designer coffins
- Folding coffin, obituaries, patent documents from various periods in time
- Central Cemetery
Opening hours
The Funeral Museum is open Mon – Fri from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as on Saturdays from 09:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from the 1st March to 2nd November. Up-to-date events and special exhibitions are announced in advance via the website and information on these is also available at the museum.
How to reach the museum:
Address: Main entrance located at Gate 2 of Aufbahrungshalle 2 at Vienna Central Cemetery, Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Vienna
Public transport: Tram lines 6 and 71, station: Zentralfriedhof Tor 2 (also accessible through other stations at Tor 1, 3, and 4). Bus lines 373, 572, 71A
Map:
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Further information about the museum and its exhibition
Nearby excursion tips:
Vienna Central Cemetery