Kaiser Franz Josef Museum

Kaiser Franz Josef Museum in Baden, near Vienna, is dedicated to the life and times of Emperor Franz Joseph I, who ruled Austria-Hungary from 1848 to 1916. The museum is located on the ou

The church of Baden-St. Christoph is a remarkable example of modern church architecture. It features a grand, elongated octagonal nave, along with a northern vestibule and a southern chancel. The roof of the church is gabled and hipped, with varying ridge heights. The exterior walls are made of exposed concrete, while the interior walls are plastered and painted in white.

The church is adorned with various artworks, mostly created by local artists in 1957. The most prominent of these is the five-axis arcade in the north hall, which was sculpted by Franz Barwig the Younger. The arcade consists of round columns with sculpted cube capitals or consoles, featuring symbolic animal figures, such as a lion, a lamb, a dove, a fish, and a snake. The arcade leads to the north-western tower, which has round-arched windows and an onion dome. The tower is connected to the north hall through a narrow transition bay, which has a relief of the Last Supper by Franz Xaver Ölzant.

The chapel is located on the northeast side of the building, just south of the vestibule. It has a half-hipped roof and a stained glass window depicting the Holy Spirit. The pediment of the vestibule has a sgraffito of St. Christophorus, the patron saint of the church, carrying the Christ child across a river. The sgraffito was created by the painter Sepp Zöchling.

The porch has three portals, each with a relief by Franz Xaver Ölzant. The central portal shows Christ Pantocrator, the ruler of the universe, with two angels on either side. The left portal shows the Annunciation, the announcement of the birth of Jesus to Mary by the angel Gabriel. The right portal shows the Nativity, the birth of Jesus in a stable.

The interior of the church is simple and spacious, with a wooden ceiling and a marble floor. The chancel has a large crucifix by Franz Barwig the Younger, and a tabernacle by Franz Xaver Ölzant. The nave has a wooden pulpit by Franz Barwig the Younger, and a baptismal font by Franz Xaver Ölzant. The church also has several paintings, such as the Stations of the Cross by Sepp Zöchling, and the portraits of the apostles by Franz Barwig the Younger.

The organ of the church is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and sound. It was built by the Rieger Orgelbau company in 1997, and replaced the previous organ from 1905, which was in a poor condition. The new organ has 1319 pipes and weighs approximately 3900 kg. It has two manuals, a pedal, and 21 registers. The registers have a range from C to g3 for the upper manual and C to f1 for the lower manual. The organ is used for liturgical and musical purposes, and enhances the acoustics of the church.

tskirts of the Vienna Woods, in a former hunting lodge that was used by the emperor and his family.

The museum’s historical collections primarily include folkloristic objects, handicrafts, and everyday cultural artifacts, with a majority originating from Lower Austria. You can admire the craftsmanship and diversity of the items, such as pottery, glassware, textiles, furniture, musical instruments, toys, and more. Additionally, there is a substantial assortment of historical cutlery, a collection of religious folk art, a compilation of historical weapons and uniforms, and a modest selection of objects from the pre-industrial criminal justice system. The museum also features some personal belongings of the emperor, such as his hunting rifle, his shaving kit, his medals, and his death mask.

The museum is not only a place of history, but also a place of culture and community. Since the 1990s, advent markets have been held in the area surrounding the museum, attracting visitors with their festive atmosphere and local delicacies. Furthermore, the museum regularly hosts readings and concerts, featuring local and international artists and performers. The museum also fosters a spirit of friendship and cooperation with other regions and countries. The city of Baden received a Szekler gate on July 12, 1991, which had been erected in front of the museum. The town of Székely-Udvarhely in Szeklerland, Romania, made a donation as a gesture of gratitude for the Baden “Aid Program for Romania”, which provided humanitarian aid and support to the region after the fall of communism. The gate symbolizes the cultural and historical ties between the two towns, as well as the common heritage of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The museum is constantly evolving and improving, thanks to the efforts of its staff and volunteers. In 2004, a precise inventory of the objects was compiled by a group of students from the University of Vienna, under the supervision of Professor Gerhard Milchram. The inventory has been consistently updated since then, and the museum has also implemented new technologies and methods to preserve and display its collections. Every year, the museum participates in the Long Night of Museums, a nationwide event that allows visitors to explore various museums and cultural institutions at night, with special programs and activities.

The Kaiser Franz Josef Museum is open from April to October, on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee is 4 euros for adults, 2 euros for children and students, and free for children under 6 years old. The museum also offers guided tours and group discounts upon request.

The Kaiser Franz Josef Museum is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the past and the present of Lower Austria and its people. Whether you are interested in history, art, or culture, you will find something to enjoy and learn at this museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this museum and discover its treasures.