Absolutely loved this museum! In my opinion probably the best museum in the city for history lovers… from interesting objects that are surprising to come across, to massive pieces of history that shaped our world today.

Museum is located about a 10 min walk from Hauptbahnhof and right near Schloss Belvedere. The set of buildings the museum is in are absolutely lovely, with stunning old architecture and impressive design. The cost to enter is about €7 which is incredibly reasonable as it’s about half of what most other museums in Vienna cost. I also really like the way the museum is laid out, in sections detailing a certain period of history. Starting upstairs, it’s possible to go in chronological order from the 14th century to the present day. Remarkably, the interior of the building is even more spectacular than the exterior. The high-ceilinged walls with stunning architectural details and artwork are a marvel to look at. The museum resembles more of a palace, with a stunning old central staircase.

Going through the military history of the Habsburgs is seriously impressive, and they have so many artefacts, paintings, weapons, uniforms, maps, paintings, machines, vehicles, orders and decorations on display, that you will definitely find interesting things to see. You start off in the days of the Thirty Years war, and the Ottoman sieges of Vienna, and progress through the momentous periods of the reign of Maria Theresa, the Napoleonic Wars, the revolutions of 1848, the First World War and collapse of the monarchy, as well as the Anschluss and the Second World War, and the establishment of the second republic.

Items on display include marvellous items like the uniform of Kaiser Franz I and Franz Josef I, as well as lots of artillery, planes, tanks and cars. The highlights are of course the car and uniform that Franz Ferdinand was in when assassinated in 1914, thus sparking WWI. They even have the bed that the Archduke was on when he died in Sarajevo. It’s fascinating to look at these objects at the center of events that changed our world forever.

I would give a special mention to the absolutely stunning collection of orders, medals and decorations scattered around the museum. For phalerists/medal enthusiasts this place is truly a dream, especially those interested in K.u.K orders and decorations. I haven’t found a better collection on display of these items anywhere else in the world. I am convinced they have the worlds most extensive collection of Maria Theresa Orders, most of which belonged to very important individuals. They also have the domestic and foreign decorations of Kaiser Franz Jospeh I, Kaiser Franz I and most notably Joseph Radetzky von Radetz, who’s collection is truly spectacular. There are also numerous foreign decorations scattered around the museum from places like Serbia, Montenegro and Russia, and also a fantastic display on the Order of Merit from the First Republic.

The museum also has a nice gift shop and cafe, and an amazing book shop with a spectacular selection of books, including some quite rare ones. Staff was very friendly and helpful and even went round back to find a sealed copy of the book I wanted to buy, of which a copy wasn’t on display in the store.

All in all my favourite museum in Vienna and definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in history or the military…