Is the museum open on public holidays?

The Natural History Museum is **closed every Tuesday and on December 25** (Christmas). On October 28, December 30, and December 31, the museum is open from 9am to 6pm. And, on December 24, the museum is open until 3pm.

Are there any late-night openings at the Natural History Museum Vienna?

Yes, on Wednesdays, the museum stays **open until 8pm** for extended evening visits.

When is the last admission time before closing?

The last admission is **30 minutes before closing time**, which means 6pm on regular days and 7:30pm on Wednesdays.

How long does a visit typically take?

Most visitors spend about **2 to 3 hours** exploring the museum, but you can easily spend longer if you're interested in all the exhibits.

Does the museum have different hours for groups or school visits?

No, group and school visits take place during regular opening hours, but we recommend booking in advance for smooth entry and planning.

When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings, especially **Monday and Wednesday before noon**, tend to be less crowded than weekends or school holiday periods.

Natural History Museum Vienna Opening Hours

Natural History Museum Vienna

The museum is open from 9am to 6pm from Thursday to Monday. On Wednesdays, the museum is open from 9am to 8pm.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays and December 25.
Last entry is allowed 30 minutes before closing time.

Jun 24 TO Oct 27 Timings Days (Jun 24 TO Oct 27)	TIMINGS
Monday	09:00–18:00
Tuesday (Today)	Closed
Wednesday	09:00–20:00
Thursday	09:00–18:00
Friday	09:00–18:00
Saturday	09:00–18:00
Sunday	09:00–18:00

Oct 28 TO Oct 28 Timings Days (Oct 28 TO Oct 28)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Tuesday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Wednesday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Thursday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Friday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Saturday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Sunday	09:00–18:00	18:00

Oct 29 TO Dec 23 Timings Days (Oct 29 TO Dec 23)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	09:00–20:00	20:00
Thursday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Friday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Saturday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Sunday	09:00–18:00	18:00

Dec 24 TO Dec 24 Timings Days (Dec 24 TO Dec 24)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:00–15:00	15:00
Tuesday	09:00–15:00	15:00
Wednesday	09:00–15:00	15:00
Thursday	09:00–15:00	15:00
Friday	09:00–15:00	15:00
Saturday	09:00–15:00	15:00
Sunday	09:00–15:00	15:00

Dec 26 TO Dec 29 Timings Days (Dec 26 TO Dec 29)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	09:00–20:00	20:00
Thursday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Friday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Saturday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Sunday	09:00–18:00	18:00

Dec 30 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Dec 30 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Tuesday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Wednesday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Thursday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Friday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Saturday	09:00–18:00	18:00
Sunday	09:00–18:00	18:00

On October 28, December 30, and December 31, the museum operates from 9am to 6pm. On December 24, the museum closes at 3pm.

Best time to visit the Natural History Museum Vienna

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekday: If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, visiting the museum on a weekday is your best bet. Since most people visit on weekends, the museum is much quieter, especially if you arrive in the morning or late afternoon. You can wander through the exhibits at your own pace and soak in the details of each display.
Weekend: Weekends can get pretty lively, with lots of families, tourists, and school groups filling the halls. If you arrive around late morning or early afternoon, expect bustling crowds, especially in popular areas like the Dinosaur Hall or the Meteorite Collection. If you're not a fan of large crowds, it’s best to arrive early or head over later in the afternoon when it’s a bit quieter.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak season (May to September): The museum is busiest during the summer months, when both tourists and locals flock to Vienna. Expect larger crowds on weekends and midday. It's best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times.
Mid-season (March to April, October to November): The mid-season months offer a balanced experience with fewer crowds and pleasant weather for exploring the city afterward.
Low season (December to February): While some outdoor areas may be less accessible due to the cold, the museum offers a quieter, more peaceful experience. Some temporary exhibitions may be closed or under maintenance.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at the Natural History Museum?

Plan to spend at least 2.5 to 3 hours inside the Natural History Museum in Vienna to fully appreciate its vast and diverse collection. The museum houses over 30 million objects, spread across 39 exhibit halls, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive natural history museums in the world.

Ground floor (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours): Start with the geological and paleontological sections, which include a stunning collection of minerals, meteorites (including one of the world’s oldest meteorites), and fossils. Highlights here include the world-renowned Venus of Willendorf (dated to around 29,500 years ago) and several complete dinosaur skeletons that are major draws for both children and adults.
First floor (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours): The zoological displays are a standout, featuring meticulously crafted dioramas of mammals, birds, and insects. Be sure to explore the Human Evolution gallery, where interactive exhibits and remarkably lifelike reconstructions trace the journey of our species.
Photography, breaks, and gift shop (add 30 to 45 minutes): The museum’s stunning architecture and displays offer plenty of photo opportunities. Take time to capture the intricate dioramas, fossils, and impressive exhibits. For a short break, head to the museum’s café or explore the well-curated gift shop for unique souvenirs.

Natural History Museum Vienna collections >

Visitor tips

Natural History Museum Vienna exterior with grand architecture and visitors exploring the entrance.

The meteorite gallery is usually empty right after the museum opens at 9am, making it the perfect time to enjoy the exhibits without distractions.
Bring a €1 or €2 coin to use the self-service lockers near the entrance to store your coat or bag and move freely, especially if you plan to visit the upper-level galleries.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum; ask the staff at the front desk for the network name and password before making your way upstairs.
When walking up the grand staircase, look overhead to admire the frescoes and marble statues on the mezzanine.
The robotic Allosaurus in the dinosaur hall moves and roars about every five minutes, so if it's still when you arrive, wait near the barrier to catch the full animated sequence.
If you are exploring with children, plan to arrive at the dinosaur exhibits after 2:30pm, when many school groups have already left and interactive stations are easier to access.