Weltmuseum Wien — Attraction in Vienna

Now, if you have ever asked me whether I would enjoy a certain museum in Vienna (the capital of museums), where half of the enormous space is occupied by middle centuries knights’ armour, and the other half - ancient musical instruments - I would probably have diverted my steps to some of the other more famous museums such as Albertina or Belvedere. And this, I would have missed one of the most fascinating and extraordinary rare exhibitions! I am so glad a friend of our recommended the Weltmuseum! It is very close to the Vienna opera, and yet - not as popular, strangely enough. Everything about this museum is extraordinary: starting with the building, the decorum, the luxury, the curating of the art, the space, the plentiful information, the fascinating exhibits! The armour part of the museum shows armour from different military groups, from different centuries. Most interesting are the full body armours - the variety of design, the skilful handwork and the quality of art even in what was then a soldier uniform is marvellous. Even more fascinating g were the 10-15rooms of musical instrument starting from the very first rough wooden bows and pipes and going through all the innovations of the 15-19 century of all music groups instruments - from keyboards to strings to woodwinds. One can even play on a few of the well-preserved keyboard instruments. One can see what the piano looks and sounded like in Bach’s, Hayden’s, Beethoven’s and Chopin’s times. There is so much information about the variety of constructions, systems, manufacturers, composers and performers, one feels better educated at the museum then attending a one year course on the subject. Highly...

We visited the ethnology museum at the Hofburg Imperial Palace in June 2014. This museum greatly benefited from the anthropological collections made by Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria during his journey around the world in 1892-1893. The star of the ethnology museum collection, however, is a world-class artifact originating from Mexico. It is the huge (1.75 m wide), spectacular Aztec Quetzal green feather and gold headdress (quetzalpanecáyotl) attributed to Montezuma II. At present the headdress is believed to have been presented by Montezuma II to Hernan Cortes in 1519 who then forwarded it along with other Aztec artifacts and gold to Charles V of Spain. The Spanish king was a member of the Hapsburg family and subsequently the artifact (via an Austrian nephew of the king) has been in the possession of Austria since the mid- to late-1500s. By itself this artifact is a worthwhile reason for seeing the Weltmuseum in Vienna. The Weltmuseum has the original Montezuma's headdress while the INAH National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City displays a copy. This situation has caused an ongoing artifact repatriation controversy between Mexico (country of item origin) and Austria (country who has possession) since 1991. The quetzal feather headdress is rightfully viewed as part of Mexico's national identity and cultural patrimony. In most cases the country of origin eventually wins the argument. In the last couple of years there have been conflicting statements online about the artifact's condition and the possibility of a museum exchange...

It's fine. But a bit haotic. Dont have understandable flow throught compositions and description of the time & stories about items. One of the museums where are placed bunch stuff together and dont have information of what are you looking at, why it's here and why it's special. Like - 10 random carpets/wooden heads/arrows...cool. Why? Who? What is the difference? Material? Time? Usage? What type of people had access of such? They group similar items together, but dont provide information about item, usage, why it's meaningful. About the country and time in general. ☹️

Audio guide is total waste of money. Very hard to use, and dont have "see something you like enter number and listen about it". It's rather 'guide to get to highlight' and if want to know more - have 5 clicks to scroll and listen to 1 minute video or audio file what dont give any inside. Or just text to read - i want to listen and look at the item,not to read short text from device. Come on. Also have to go specific route..skipping all other things. Very very bad for good museum experience.

They have interactive multimedia screens through exhibition...but again, have to click around to get some information. Maybe kids would happy, but...

I really wish they would place 'audio numbers' next to items. And provide easy access and interesting background and item information. I would prefer less things placed together, but some more details, stories, information of artist, the item, the leader of country/time, history...

Dissapointing. Saw something but not...