The Natural History museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) in Vienna is said to be one of the important museums of the world, and the earliest collections of artifacts are said to be over 250 years old. As of 2006, 20 million objects are said to be scientifically maintained.
The museum building (to plans drawn up by Gottfried Semper and Karl Freiherr von Hasenauer) opened in 1891 at the same time as the Kunsthistorisches Museum The two museums have identical exteriors and face each other across Maria-Theresien-Platz.
On the upper ground floor (Hochparterre) can be seen precious stones and minerals, rare fossils and gigantic dinosaurs, as well as famous prehistoric works of art. One of the most important is the 25.000 year-old figure of “Venus von Willendorf”, the skeleton of a Diplodocus, the longest terrestrial vertebrate that has ever lived, a giant topaz weighing 117 kg and the valuable bouquet of jewels which Maria Theresia had made as a present for her husband.
The first floor presents the overwhelming species variety of the animal world, from protozoa to the most highly developed mammals. Objects of more than 200 years old are of great interest, not only on their own account but also as witnesses of nature and historical records for the history of science and the art of taxidermy. Numerous stuffed animals of species either extinct or extremely endangered can be found in the collections.
Opening Times & Prices
Thur - Mon :09.00 - 18.30
Wed: 09.00 - 21:00
Tues: CLOSED
Entrance Fee: 8 Euro
Address
Maria-Theresia-Platz
Burgring 7
1010, Vienna
Tel. +43 (1) 52177 - 0
E-Mail: office@nhm-wien.ac.at
How to Get There
U-Bahn U2, U3 Volkstheater
TRAM: 1, 2
External Links
Naturhistorisches Museum Official Web Site
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