Imperial art & culture

Owned by the Habsburgs since 1569, the palace is one of the most beautiful baroque complexes in Europe and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Emperor Franz Joseph was born in the former summer residence with its imperial state rooms. He and his beloved Sisi had a total of 1,441 (living) rooms at their disposal, 45 of which can be visited. Especially popular with the empress, however, was the magnificent palace park for long walks.

Just opposite the palace you will discover numerous carriages and exquisite pieces of Habsburg clothing, including Sisi's wedding dress. The permanent exhibition "Sisi and Diana" traces the parallels with Lady Diana. Both were popular with the people but unhappy in their relationships. Both led lives in the spotlight and died violent deaths. In addition, Sisi's life is illustrated by her magnificent gowns, carriages and riding utensils.

As one of the largest palace complexes in the world, the Hofburg served as the home and workplace of the imperial family and its court until the end of the monarchy in 1918. The tour through the rococo chambers of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth extends over 24 rooms. From the emperor's staircase to the audience chamber and study to the living rooms and bedrooms of their majesties. The highlight is Sisi's famous gymnasium and bathroom.

The museum shows the true personality of the often misunderstood empress by means of numerous personal objects (such as umbrellas, fans, gloves, items of clothing or beauty recipes). The tour begins with the dramatic death of Elisabeth and tells room by room how the myth of Empress Sisi came into being, which was strongly influenced not least by the "Sissi films" by Ernst Marischka.

The new Weltmuseum invites you to go on a global journey to all the continents in the 14 variously curated halls.  I find the collection of Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Habsburg throne, particularly impressive, who 1892/93 went on a 10 month voyage of discovery and brought back 14000 collectors' items to Vienna. Afterwards you should definitely have a snack in the wonderful pillared hall!