Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by gregor
As a travel blogger in Vienna, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting countless museums and cultural institutions in this incredible city. And yet, there’s one museum that always stands out in my mind: The Jewish Museum Vienna. (Jüdisches Museum Wien + Museum Judenplatz)
The Jewish Museum is truly a hidden gem, tucked away in the heart of the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. It’s an incredibly moving and educational experience, and I highly recommend that anyone visiting Vienna adds it to their itinerary. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Jewish Museum in Vienna.
Highlights of The Jewish Museum Vienna (Jüdisches Museum Wien) Austria
- The Jewish Museum in Vienna is one of the oldest Jewish museums in the world, founded in 1895.
- The museum’s collections cover Jewish history and culture, with a particular focus on the Jewish community in Vienna.
- One of the most moving exhibitions is the Memorial to the Austrian Victims of the Shoah, which pays tribute to the Austrian Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust.
- The museum also has a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which cover a wide range of topics related to Jewish history and culture.
- Book Jewish Museum tickets online
Inside The Jewish Museum Vienna – Two Locations of Jewish History
The Jewish Museum Vienna is composed of two main locations:
1. Jewish Museum Vienna Dorotheergasse
2. Jewish Museum Judenplatz
Here are detailed descriptions of both sites:
Jewish Museum Vienna Dorotheergasse – Palais Eskeles
Located in the first district of Vienna, the Jewish Museum Vienna Dorotheergasse is situated in the Palais Eskeles, a historic Baroque building that was once the residence of the Eskeles family. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Viennese Jewry, and its collection includes over 12,000 objects that span over 800 years of Jewish history in Vienna.
The museum’s permanent exhibition, “Our City! Jewish Vienna – Then to Now,” takes visitors on a journey through the history of Jewish life in Vienna, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The exhibition is divided into five thematic areas: Everyday Life, Festivals and Celebrations, Business and Trade, Persecution and Resistance, and Renewal and New Beginnings. The exhibits include multimedia installations, archival photographs, documents, and personal testimonies, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the diverse and complex history of Jewish Vienna.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions, cultural events, lectures, and workshops throughout the year.
Have a look at the official Website for the temporary Exhibitions: Website
The museum also houses a library and archive, which contains over 60,000 volumes and documents related to the history of Jewish Vienna.
Jewish Museum Judenplatz Vienna – Misrachi House
Located in the heart of Vienna’s old town, the Jewish Museum Vienna Judenplatz is situated in the historic Misrachi House, a former synagogue that was destroyed during the Holocaust. The museum is dedicated to the memory of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, and its collection includes artifacts, photographs, and personal testimonies related to the Holocaust in Vienna.
The museum’s permanent exhibition, “Shoah,” focuses on the history of the Holocaust in Vienna and its impact on the city’s Jewish community. The exhibition is divided into four thematic areas: Jewish Life in Vienna Before the Anschluss, Persecution and Emigration, Deportation and Extermination, and Rescuers and Resistance. The exhibits include multimedia installations, archival photographs, documents, and personal testimonies, offering visitors a sobering and moving experience of this dark chapter of Vienna’s history.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions, cultural events, lectures, and workshops throughout the year.
The museum also houses a memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, located in the nearby Judenplatz Square. The memorial consists of a large, abstract sculpture that symbolizes the destruction of the synagogue and the Jewish community that once thrived in this area.
The Jewish Museum in Vienna Tickets (Museum Judenplatz + Dorotheergasse)
The Jewish Museum in Vienna is open every day except Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Tickets bought at one site are valid for the other site, too, for seven days after purchase.
Book your Jewish Museum + Museum Judenplatz Vienna Online Here
If you’re planning to visit multiple museums in Vienna, it’s worth considering purchasing a Vienna Pass, which includes admission to The Jewish Museum in Vienna as well as many other museums and attractions in the city.
Purchase your Vienna Pass online here:
The Jewish Museum in Vienna Visitors Tips – Exhibitions
- The museum can be quite busy, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- The museum is quite large, so give yourself plenty of time to explore all the exhibitions.
- Be sure to take advantage of the museum’s audio guide, which provides additional context and information about each exhibition.
Good to Know before you go
- The Jewish Museum in Vienna is wheelchair accessible, and there are also elevators to help visitors navigate the different floors of the museum.
- Photography is not allowed inside the museum, so be sure to leave your camera in your bag.
- There’s a small café on the ground floor of the museum, where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to visit The Jewish Museum in Vienna? A: Plan to spend at least two hours at the museum, although you could easily spend an entire day exploring all the exhibitions in detail.
Q: Is the museum suitable for children? A: Yes, the museum is suitable for children of all ages, although some of the exhibitions may be too intense for very young children.
Q: Are guided tours available? A: Yes, guided tours are available in a variety of languages. Check the museum’s website for more information. https://jmw.at/en/guided_tours
How to get to The Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum Wien)
Dorotheergasse Site
The museum lies a short walk away from the very central Stephansplatz subway station, served by the U3 and U1 lines.
Address: Dorotheergasse 11, 1010 Vienna | Website
The site sits right in among Vienna’s beautiful old town, not far from the cathedral, Hofburg palace, Spanish Riding School, Café Hawelka (do try the Buchteln), and other city center sights.
Museum Judenplatz Site
It’s also just a short walk away from three subway stations: U1 and U3 Stephansplatz, U3 Herrengasse
Address: Judenplatz 8, 1010 Vienna | Website
Google Map: To help you plan your visit, here’s a Google Map of The Jewish Museum in Vienna + Museum Judenplatz and the surrounding area:
My conclusion
The Jewish Museum in Vienna is a must-visit for anyone interested in Jewish history and culture, or for those who simply want to learn more about Vienna’s rich cultural heritage. With its fascinating exhibitions, moving tributes to the victims of the Holocaust, and beautiful buildings, it’s an experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
So be sure to add it to your Vienna itinerary and make time for a visit!
Jewish Museum in Vienna, Video Information and Tour
Book your Jewish Museum + Museum Judenplatz Vienna Online Here