Museum of Military History Vienna: Franz Ferdinand's Car

The Museum of Military History in Vienna (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum, HGM) is Austria's oldest and most important military museum. It is located in the historic Arsenal in Vienna's 3rd district (Landstraße) and was built between 1850 and 1856 in the style of Romantic Historicism. The imposing building was originally part of a military complex that was created in the wake of the 1848 revolution. Today the museum is one of the most important history museums in Europe.

The exhibition spans several themed halls covering eras such as the Ottoman Wars, the Habsburg Monarchy, the First and Second World Wars and the Cold War. Among the most important exhibits are the car in which the heir to the throne, Franz Ferdinand, was shot in 1914, as well as original uniforms, weapons and paintings. Especially impressive is the hall devoted to the monarchy, where visitors encounter a staged world of imperial rule, complemented by a detailed model of the naval Battle of Lissa.

A visit to the HGM is not only worthwhile for history buffs: interactive elements, special exhibitions and multimedia presentations bring the past to life and make it tangible. For families there are special guided tours as well as educational content for children and teenagers. In summer, the courtyard in front of the museum with its small café invites you to take a relaxing break. If you want to delve deeper, rent an audio guide or join a themed tour.

Highlights

- Franz Ferdinand's original car
- Historic uniforms and weapons
- Naval and aviation exhibition

accessible
family-friendly
Photography allowed
Gift shop
Café on site

Address: Arsenal 1, 1030 Vienna
Get directions

Franz Ferdinand's car, the diorama of the Battle of Lissa and the exhibition on the First World War are among the museum's highlights.

Regular admission costs about €7. Children, young people under 19 and school classes get in free. There are also combination tickets for special exhibitions.

The museum is easy to reach by tram D (stop 'Arsenal') or by lines O and 18 (stop 'Wien Quartier Belvedere' plus a short walk).

An insider tip is the permanent exhibition on Austrian naval history, which many visitors don't know about. The museum's architecture is also worth seeing in its own right.

For a thorough visit, allow at least 2 hours. Photography without flash is permitted; professional shoots require a permit.

No additional photos available.