House of Austrian History

The House of Austrian History opens in Vienna on November 12, 1918, exactly a century after the establishment of the First Republic. It is located on Heldenplatz in the Neue Burg. On a total area of 1,800 m2, it clearly represents Austria’s formation, from the Habsburg monarchy through the First Republic, annexation to the Third Reich, and the establishment of the Second Republic to the current day.

In seven subject sections, the inaugural exhibition “Aufbruch ins Ungewisse – sterreich seit 1918” (Departure into the Unknown – Austria since 1918) highlights the conflicting Austrian century: The formative years of the Republic, from 1918 to 1921, are highlighted, as are the National Socialist horror, the development and evolution of Austrian consciousness, and the postwar economic miracle. All themes are presented in an understandable and engaging manner using cutting-edge presentation technology. The government bench from the great session hall of the Parliament building, as well as the “imperial box curtain,” were both uncovered in Parliament in 2017. The box allocated for Emperor Franz Joseph in the government building was ornamented with a historical display designed by architect Theophil Hansen.

The House of Austrian History views itself as a place for discourse on the ambiguities of Austrian history in a European and international perspective. The museum wishes to look both backward and ahead in order to evaluate the effect of the past on our present and future.

Vienna, Austria