Sisi Museum — Attraction in Vienna

Empress Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sisi, was the most beloved and well-known figure in Austria and Hungary, so much so that visitors can see shops, restaurants, museums and even hotels named after her in the capitals of these countries.

In Vienna, Sisi fans have the privilege of visiting one of the most important museums in the city, the Sisi Museum in the wonderful Hofburg Palace.

The Hofburg has its origins in a medieval castle dating back to the 13th century, and was continually expanded until the beginning of the 20th century.

It was the official residence and center of power of the Habsburgs, sovereigns of Austria between 1278 and 1918, who used it as their main winter residence, while Schloss Schönbrunn was their preferred palace for the summer. Among the historical figures who were born in the Hofburg, Marie Antoinette stands out in 1755.

With over 2,600 rooms and covering an area of 20 hectares, its architectural grandeur and large gardens dominate the landscape of central Vienna.

The Sisi Museum occupies six rooms of the palace and explores the personality and life of this interesting empress.

The highlights of the museum are her private life, her rebellion against the court, her obsession with beauty, diet and sports, and her romantic side.

In an attempt to escape from herself, the empress traveled a lot, finally meeting a tragic end in Geneva, when she was assassinated in 1898 by an anarchist revolutionary.

Highlights of the museum include a replica of the dress she wore at the ball before her wedding, paintings depicting her beauty, and several personal jewels.

Other objects (more than 300) that can be found there are parasols and fans used by her, as well as a replica of the imperial carriage and the mask made after the empress's death.

Not to be missed!

The Sisi Museum is open daily from 9:00 to 17:30 (July and August until 18:00)

Combined tickets with other Hofburg attractions: Sisi Museum, Silver Collection and Imperial Apartments €25.50.

Unfortunately, taking photos...

The story of Empress Elizabeth or "Sisi", as she was called, reminded me a lot of Princess Diana's life. They were both young when they married into royalty, and they both died too soon. Other similarities between them include obsession and adoration from "Commoners", and possible eating disorders. The beginning of this tour starts with silver, china, etc. From the Hofberg Dynasty. I must mention that it was quite humid and warm on our July visit, and I couldn't seem to muster much enthusiasm for the VAST amount of items in this part of the tour. Unless you REALLY enjoy silverware, candlesticks, china, etc. You will likely not spend a great deal of time here. Yes, it was beautiful, but exactly HOW much silver does the average person really want to see- and especially in stifling July heat? At least photos can be taken on this part of the tour. After leaving this section, you go upstairs to the Apartments and Sisi Museum. There is a lot to see, but again it was warm with no air flow ( and masks are required, which make it even hotter). Many of the exhibits are well done. I especially liked the room where Sisi's dresses were displayed (very beautiful). In spite of my FREE audio guide tour, though, I didn't feel the tour flowed well, IMO. The most annoying part of all was the staff obsession with staring everyone down to prevent photography. Instead of being friendly and informative, watching for people trying to take photos seemed like their top priority. Numerous people were approached about this, many looking confused ( I didn't witness anyone trying to take photos). It was hot and crowded, and I found myself just wanting out of there. This was my least favorite of the museums. The entrance fee isn't too high ( $36.00 for two people), but for all the reasons above, I just didn't enjoy it as much as the others. If you are a fan of Sisi, then this would be a must see. PLEASE NOTE- CLOSED SUNDAY, ...

Sisi Museum Review

Visiting the Sisi Museum in Vienna was a fascinating dive into the life of Empress Elisabeth, or "Sisi," as she's affectionately known. Housed in the Hofburg Palace, the museum does a stellar job of bringing her story to life—her beauty, her quirks, and her struggles. The exhibits are beautifully curated, with personal items like her dresses, jewelry, and even her exercise equipment (she was obsessed with staying fit). The audio guide is a gem, offering juicy details about her unconventional life, from her poetry to her defiance of court protocol. It’s intimate and engaging, making you feel like you’re getting to know Sisi on a personal level.

The rooms are elegant, with dim lighting that sets a moody, almost melancholic tone, perfectly matching her complex personality. You can’t help but admire her spirit—she was a woman way ahead of her time. The displays on her travels and her tragic end are particularly moving, giving you a real sense of who she was beyond the fairy-tale empress.

But, okay, let’s talk about the unexpected highlight: there’s a room that dives into her daily routines, and—brace yourself—it includes a quirky mention of her bathroom habits! Yes, there’s a display about the imperial loo where Sisi, well, did her business. It’s not graphic or anything, just a cheeky nod to her human side, but I couldn’t help but chuckle. It’s like the museum winks at you, saying, “Even empresses had to go!” It’s a hilarious, grounding moment that makes Sisi feel even more real.

Overall, the museum is a must-visit for history buffs or anyone curious about this iconic figure. It’s a perfect blend of reverence and relatability, capped off with that cheeky toilet tidbit. Loved getting to know Sisi, but I’ll never forget that room where she,...