Highly political events such as military campaigns, imperial diets, tributes, coronations and weddings were occasions to create new objects that could be brought to the Collection of Arms and Armor. Almost all western European dynasties are represented with objects from the fifteenth century to the early twentieth century.

The high artistic quality of the objects is due to the representational requirements of the rulers and their vassals. The suits of armor on display are without exception especially made by the most renowned armor makers, who often used designs of such famous artists as Dürer or Holbein for the magnificent etchings.

© Daniel Auer

New tour: "House of Habsburg" 

An exciting audio guide tour with 20 stops through the Weltmuseum Wien, the Collection of Arms and Armor and the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments tells the story of the rise and fall of the Habsburgs. Starting in the Middle Ages, various objects (e.g. armor, musical instruments, paintings and much more) are used to tell the 650-year history of the Austrian imperial family's rule up to 1918. The route leads through the Neue Hofburg, the newest wing of the Hofburg complex. This imperial residence was built for Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi on Heldenplatz, but was never occupied due to the abolition of the monarchy in 1918.

The tour is available in ten languages. The tour starts at the Weltmuseum Wien. Further information can be found here.

Imperial Palace Overview