It was my best experience during my 2-day stay in Vienna, and that’s saying a lot, with all the amazing attractions here. The Beethoven Museum was located outside the city centre and given that I had only 2 days in this city, I almost gave it a miss. But I am glad I travelled some 40-minutes to the location. That part of town at Probusgasse still had some well-conserved houses and even an old church. You can absolutely imagine Beethoven mingling in the community here in the summer of 1802.

In the modern-day layout, the museum is divided into 6 galleries. It is not important if the artifacts were replica or originals, but we get to see Beethoven’s handwritten manuscript and his handwriting in his letters. There’s a replica of a 5-pedal piano used in those times that have been modified to help Beethoven’s struggle with his hearing. To me, what was absolutely poignant was the despair documented in his unsent letters to his brothers over his progressive illness. Although I heard the translated version, it was enough to bring a lump to my throat.

I went there in June 2024 when there was an open house, so there was no entry charge and the museum was open from 10am to 5pm. Do note that normally, they are closed between 1-2 pm. No doubt I am seeing this through the lens of a student of classical music but I think anyone who admires greatness and fortitude in the face of adversity will appreciate the story of Beethoven.