Funeral Museum at Vienna Central Cemetery

The Funeral Museum (Bestattungsmuseum) at Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof) is a unique and powerful museum devoted to the history of funeral culture in Vienna and beyond. It is located right at the entrance to Vienna's famous Central Cemetery and shows vividly how much death and burial have mattered in Viennese society over the centuries. In the exhibition you'll find a rich collection of historic objects, including old coffins, burial garments, death masks and rare photographs. Especially fascinating are the displays of curious burial customs and inventions such as the "safety coffin" with an alarm device, or the specially built funeral vehicles. Multimedia installations complement the exhibits and offer an interactive approach to the subject. A particular focus is on the role of the funeral in Viennese culture, shaped by black robes, Baroque splendor and a deeply rooted tradition of remembering the dead. The Central Cemetery itself, located behind the museum, is a major sight in its own right, with the honorary graves of famous figures such as Beethoven, Brahms and Falco.

As an insider tip, it's worth visiting as part of a guided tour, which also shows the hidden motor hearse from the early 20th century that is otherwise not open to the public. The museum appeals not only to those interested in cultural history but also to anyone who wants to better understand Vienna's relationship with death and its typical dark humor.

Highlights

• - Historic coffins and death masks
• - Curious burial rituals
• - Multimedia insights into mourning culture