Vienna Military History Museum

Vienna's Museum of Military History is located in the imposing former military complex named the Arsenal. The fortress-like building first opened in 1856, making it the oldest museum in the Austrian capital.

Inside the museum

Upon entering the museum, visitors are welcomed by 56 full-size marble statues of army commandants from various periods in Austrian history.

Throughout the museum, the exhibitions are organised in chronological order. The first floor is dedicated to the Turkish siege, the wars of the 13th century, and Napoleon's victory over Austria.

The ground floor focuses on the 19th and 20th centuries. Here, you'll find interesting displays including the Marine Hall, and the artillery halls, housing former arms previously used in the first World War.

Memorial to Franz Ferdinand

One of the museum's most important rooms is dedicated to Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The exhibition contains various personal objects belonging to the Archduke, but its stand-out display is undoubtedly the car in which he and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo in 1914, an event that triggered the start of the First World War.

History buffs

The Museum of Military History is home to many interesting exhibitions, and fans of military history in particular will be delighted with its fascinating displays. If you find yourself in Vienna with enough time to visit the museum, this is a great museum worth checking out.

We recommend combining it with a trip to the nearby Belvedere Palace, while you're in this area of the city, to really make the most of your time in the city.