The stringed, wind and keyboard instruments were a delight not only to the ears but also to the eyes, even in imperial times: The extremely artistically made instruments - the collection from the Renaissance period is especially significant - reflect the splendor of the Habsburg Empire.

The Collection of Historic Musical Instruments is home to the most important collection of renaissance and baroque instruments worldwide.

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In an extra room, visitors receive additional information at interactive terminals. And in a shielded room, playable copies of historic instruments are available, inviting you to make music. Concerts at which master interpreters of their profession play the original instruments are held on a regular basis.

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.

© Daniel Auer

Imperial Palace Overview