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​Jewish Museum Vienna is a captivating cultural institution that celebrates and explores the rich heritage and contributions of the Jewish community in Vienna and beyond. From the moving Holocaust Memorial to the remarkable collections, the museum offers an immersive experience that highlights the enduring legacy of a community that played a significant role in shaping the fabric of Vienna's cultural landscape.

Read on to learn everything about the museum, from the history behind its legacy to how it came into being.

​Plan Your Visit to Jewish Museum Vienna

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About Jewish Museum Vienna
  • Official Name: Jüdisches Museum Wien
  • Address: Dorotheergasse 11, 1010 Vienna, Austria
  • Date of Opening: 1988
  • Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Architect: Wilhelm Stiassny
  • Architectural Style: Baroque
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: No
  • Number of Visitors per Year: 133,000
  • Collection Size: Over 12,000 objects

What is the Jewish Museum Vienna?

About Jewish Museum Vienna

The Jewish Museum Vienna is a captivating cultural gem that weaves together the rich tapestry of Jewish history in Austria. Its roots can be traced back to 1896 when the Jewish community established a small collection, supported by the Society for the Collection and Preservation of Artistic and Historical Memorials of Jewry. Over the years, the museum has evolved into a remarkable institution, housed in the Palais Eskeles, a stunning 18th-century mansion. The museum owes its current existence to the dedication and vision of its founders, which included the Austrian Jewish Community and the City of Vienna.

Why Visit Jewish Museum Vienna?

  • Immersive Experience: The Jewish Museum Vienna offers a captivating and immersive experience that allows visitors to delve into the rich and diverse history of Jewish culture.
  • Historical Significance: The museum stands as a poignant reminder of the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in Vienna, and explores the impact of Jewish contributions in various fields such as art, science, and philosophy.
  • Thought-Provoking Exhibits: The museum's exhibits showcase a wide range of artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations that shed light on the Jewish experience, including the Holocaust, Jewish traditions, and contemporary Jewish life.
  • Cultural Events and Activities: The museum hosts a variety of cultural events, including lectures, screenings, and temporary exhibitions, providing opportunities for visitors to engage further with Jewish culture and history.

Plan Your Visit to Jewish Museum Vienna

Address: Dorotheergasse 11, 1010 Wien, Austria

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The Jewish Museum Vienna is nestled in the heart of Austria's captivating capital, Vienna. Situated in the historic Palais Eskeles, a magnificent 18th-century building in the Dorotheergasse district, the museum seamlessly blends the past with the present. The location is highly symbolic, as Vienna was once home to a thriving Jewish community that played a significant role in the city's cultural and intellectual life.

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About Jewish Museum Vienna
  • Timings: 
    Museum Dorotheegarsse - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
    Musuem Judenplatz - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Fridays
  • Last Entry: 30 minutes before closing time
  • Closed On: Saturday
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History of Jewish Museum Vienna

  • The Establishment
    The museum traces its origins back to 1896 when it was established as the first Jewish museum in the world. Supported by the "Society for the Collection and Preservation of Artistic and Historical Memorials of Jewry," it focused on the culture and history of Jews in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with a collection that also reflected the political debates surrounding Zionism.
  • The Troubles
    Throughout its history, the museum faced challenges and relocations. After the Anschluss in 1938, it was forcibly closed, and its contents were distributed among other museums. However, in the 1950s, the majority of the collection was restituted to the Jewish community. In 1964, a small museum was opened but eventually closed for renovations in 1967, never to reopen.
  • The New Chapter
    A new chapter began in 1986 when the idea of a new Jewish museum was announced, gaining support from various stakeholders. The museum was founded in 1988 as a limited company, with the management of significant collections such as the Max Berger Collection and the IKG Collection. In 1993, the Palais Eskeles in Dorotheergasse was made available to the museum. The building underwent renovations and expansions, including the addition of display spaces, a coffee house, and a bookshop.
  • The Second Annexe
    Another milestone occurred in 2000 with the opening of the second building of the museum in Judenplatz. This annexe focuses on documenting the social, cultural, and religious lives of Viennese Jews in the Middle Ages. The space incorporates modern construction and underground corridors that lead visitors to the foundations of the medieval synagogue.

Jewish Museum Vienna Architecture

About Jewish Museum Vienna

The architecture of the Jewish Museum Vienna is a stunning blend of the historic and the contemporary. The main building, located in the Palais Eskeles, beautifully combines the grandeur of the 18th-century structure with modern design elements. The building's sleek and striking features harmonize with the surrounding historic district, creating a visually captivating experience. Inside, the museum's exhibition spaces are thoughtfully designed to showcase the diverse collection and engage visitors.

The annex in Judenplatz, opened in 2000, contrasts with the main building, featuring modern construction, ample natural light, and underground corridors that lead visitors to the foundations of the medieval synagogue. The architectural fusion of old and new in the Jewish Museum Vienna adds to its allure and enhances the overall museum experience.

Who built Jewish Museum Vienna?

The Jewish Museum Vienna was built by a team of architects from Vienna, specifically the architectural firm eichinger oder knechtl. In 1995/1996, they undertook the adaptation of the Palais Eskeles in Dorotheergasse, which was made available to the museum by the auction house Dorotheum. The architects' task was to transform the building to create additional display spaces, increase storage capacity, and incorporate amenities such as a coffee house and a specialist bookshop. Additionally, the second building of the museum in Judenplatz, including the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial, was unveiled on 25 October 2000, further expanding the architectural landscape of the Jewish Museum Vienna.

What’s Inside Jewish Museum Vienna?

About Jewish Museum Vienna
  • The Collection of Ceremonial Objects: This assortment comprises more than 1,000 items utilized in Jewish religious ceremonies, such as Torah scrolls, candelabra, and spice boxes.
  • The Max Berger Collection: Consisting of over 700 objects, this collection belonged to Max Berger, a Holocaust victim. It includes photographs, documents, and personal belongings, providing a glimpse into Berger's life and the experiences of Austrian Jews during the Nazi era.
  • The Sussmann Collection: Donated by the Anni and Heinrich Sussmann Foundation, this collection encompasses over 2,000 objects. It features Judaica from various parts of the world, along with art and artifacts that illuminate Jewish history and culture.
  • The Stern Collection: Donated by the Stern family, this collection comprises over 1,000 objects. It encompasses art, artifacts, and documents pertaining to Jewish history and culture specifically in Austria.

All Your Questions About Jewish Museum Vienna Answered

The Jewish Museum Vienna is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture, and contributions of the Jewish community.