Classroom

The twelve room Collection of Historic Musical Instruments has a long history involving the combination of two primary collections. The first collection comes from Archduke Ferdinand II who setup his collection at Ambras Castle in 1580. This late Renaissance collection is considered one of the largest of the time and consisted of more than just the musical instruments. Everything from coins to armor were included in the inventory. At the death of the Archduke in 1596, the collection was documented in a detailed inventory allowing us to trace the items path to Vienna. The dangerous conditions in Innsbruck during the Napoleonic Wars led to the collection being brought to Vienna in 1806.The second major collection to join the Archduke collection dates back to the late Italian Renaissance into the baroque period. The collection was owned by the Obizzi family and curated under Pio Enea II who was born in 1592. Pio Enea was particularly interested in the arts and secured the collection not only for it’s uniqueness but also for practical use in the preforming arts. Unfortunately, due to some family events, the collection was transferred to Vienna in 1870. Although the collection was in Vienna, it wasn’t until 1914 that the collection became part of the Imperial Collections allowing the items to join the Archduke collection bringing the total collection to over 400 instruments.The has continued to grow from smaller collections being added since 1914. The items have also undergone renovations due to climatic conditions, facility environments, and moving locations. Finally in 1993 the collection was setup in it’s current 12 room layout and has continued to further expand to include 400 additional items. In 2001, an audio guide in multiple languages was added to not only direct the flow of the collection but also to offer the additional sound sample enhancements.

A table for a quartet with included candle holders!

A Giraffe Piano always catches the eye of "people" around it

An absolutely wonderful collection of Baroque and Renaissance style instruments. Very easily walkable space with items to explore in every direction that you look. Audio guides can be provided with not only information on each item in the collection but also many sound samples of the various instruments. A prefect place to spend those hot afternoon summer hours in Vienna.

Musical Instrument Museum in Kunsthistorisches Museum

This walking tour of Viennese musical heritage was constructed by American educators participating in an NC State University study abroad program by the name of CIDRE in summer 2023.

Welcome to Schubert Geburtshaus, the birthplace of famed composer, Franz Schubert! This museum is ideal for someone who loves all things Schubert or places great value on connecting with sites of significance. This location may not be as interesting to casual fans of Schubert seeking learn a great deal about his life or see an abundant trove of artifacts.The museum is partially located in the apartment where Schubert lived his early years. This apartment is in a building that includes several other apartments as well. In Schubert's time, as many as 70 other people lived there in the other residences, and there was a school run by Schubert's father on the lower floor. The building also features a courtyard that included a well in the past. The courtyard is the only accessible area, as visitors must be able to traverse stairs to access the museum.Museum visitors can view artifacts from Schubert's life, as well as some reproductions. They can also view the work of Adalbert Schifter, although the connection between the two beyond being Viennese is not evident. Compared to museums in the city featuring other composers, the collection of Schubert memoribilia is somewhat limited, so visitors should manage their expectations. There are, however, important items such as eyeglasses he wore and instruments he played, so may be of interest to many Vienna visitors.

This site is the birthplace of Franz Schubert. If you plan to visit, note that it is different from another Schubert-related site. This museum is housed in the building where he lived as a small child, while Franz Schubert Haus (Schubertschlössl) a few kilometers away at Erdbergstraße 17, 1030 Wien is where he lived later on. It could be quite distressing to do as I did and head toward this museum, activate navigation to find the exact location, only to have your search tool tell you you're kilometers away.

Wien Museum Schubert's Birthplace

The WUK is a cultural and educational space for art and social affairs. It is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The renovation started in 2021 and is scheduled to be completed in 2024. The renovation which will enable accessibility was inevitable because the building has been in use for about 160 years. After the renovation, the WUK will continue to be an exciting and important cultural space as well as educational center for Viennese citizens and tourists alike.As I entered the compound, there was a sign at the entrance and the place looked distressed. I entered and walked around the renovation site and there was scaffolding, planks, bricks, etc., all over the place. I tried view the building and surroundings, but because it was a renovation site, I was a bit uncertain and cautious. Eventually, I was able to find an information center and ended up talking to the lady at desk and she informed me about the status of the current renovation project.

The WUK is a cultural hub in Vienna that has music, performing arts, children’s culture, counseling, and social farming. The actual building was constructed in 1855 and it served several purposes over the years from locomotive and machine works to the Technological Trade Museum. Currently, the WUK is under renovation until 2024. Due to the renovation, concerts, performances, exhibitions, and children’s theater aren’t taking place.

The WUK

The Beethoven Museum is a quick glimpse into the life of this famous composer. Beethoven lived here for 8 years and composed his 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th symphonies, as well as his opera "Fidelio". The museum itself reflects the simplicity of his life. You can see various artifacts from Beethoven's life, listen to a few musical pieces, and even see a lock of his hair (Ha!Ha!).As you enter the building, make sure to walk to the middle of the courtyard and look up! The architectural design is spectacular, especially with the bright blue Viennese sky as its background.

Located in Innerstadt across the street from Vienna University. The building itself was easy to miss because you will be consumed by the beautiful architecture of the city. A brick wall leads you towards a path that will take you up the museum. The white building is unassuming but there are Austrian flags outside to indicate where the museum stands. The museum is located on the 4th floor of the building. It will take you between 30 - 60 minutes to enjoy it. It is 5 Euros to enter.

Ludwig von Beethoven’s house/apartment

In 1762, the Collalto Palace housed a performance by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with his sister when he was six. This marked his first public performance. Count Collalto, the host, was very impressed by his performance and later wrote a poem about the event.The Collalto Palace is not open to the public. Upon venturing there,  I was unsure which building it was until I came across a plaque with the name Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart across the top. This plaque commemorates the event. When translated, it says, “in the second week of October 1762, he first appeared in this house in front of the openness of the city that was to become his home and destiny.”https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/collalto-palace-21437.html

Mozart performed for the first time at the age of six with his sister at the Collalto Palace. The host of the event was impressed and wrote a poem to honor the event. A plaque can be found on the building that commemorates the event.

Collalto Palace

Wolfgang Mozart performed here at the age of six.

The Palais Niederösterreich is a historic building that housed parts of the Austrian government until 1997. Originally known as the Niederösterreichisches Landeshaus (Estates House of Lower Austria), the building housed the Estates General of the state of Lower Austria - who represented lords, generals and cities - until 1848. In 1918, it housed the Parliament of the new German Austria. The state assembly and some state government ministries occupied it until 1997. In addition to government meetings and functions, this palace building was also used for grand balls and concernts. When the government moved out in 1997, the building was renovated to be used as a event space for exhibitions, weddings, concerts and other private events. This building retains the feeling of opulence with its grand rooms with fresco painted ceilings, an inner courtyard, a small chapel and gardens.

The Palais Niederösterreich is a historic building that housed parts of the Austrian government until 1997. This opulent building was the location of government meetings and events as well as concerts and galas. When the government moved out in 1997, the building was renovated to be used as a event space for exhibitions, weddings, concerts and other private events.

Palais Niederösterreich

Situated in the heart of Vienna, St. Michael is a breathtaking Catholic church, showing off both Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Named after St. Michael, an angel, the church was constructed in the late 13th century and includes a crypt beneath the church. The church remains active, serving the Vienna community through religious ceremonies, Mass, and even concerts. The organ in St. Michael is Vienna's largest baroque organ and was once played by famous composer, Joseph Haydn. Guided tours are also available to the public and even include the crypt where many members of the Austrian aristocracy and royalty have been laid to rest.

Michaelerkirche (St. Michael's Church)

I will be discovering the art of Classical Karaoke at the Cafe Bellaria in Vienna, Austria! While I have never been to Austria before, I am excited to find out the specific art of life performance and what kind of song Viennese partygoers enjoy singing. If I gather enough courage, I may even attempt a song myself...

 Cafe Bellaria (Classical Karaoke)

The space where the concert series is held was designed with the lense of sustainability. Architects designed the space to be climate-neutral and climate-friendly. This is clearly demonstrated in one of the areas by the urban garden where they grown seasonal vegetables and fruits. Another area provides a resting space for people to relax and sunbathe. The third space hosts a stage and seats for audience members to observe and engage.Most of the summer event series are held in the stage space and the offerings are varied. I observed a 4 person band playing on the stage at 6:00 p.m. The band was performing for a small audience and nearby restaurants could also enjoy the music. The space had many people walking through as they exited museums. The location of the stage made it very evident to all who exited museums at the same time and drew attention to the band. There was a poster advertising events and a QR code for people who want to learn more.

The MuseumsQuartier hosts a Summer Stage Program in the center plaza between multiple museums. From May until September artists, poets, lecturers, bands and individual musicians are invited to perform in the common space. The performances are free for the audience and are often interactive. This program expands on the mission for the space by providing a place for people to relax, engage with art and participate in public dialogue.

MQ Sommerbühne

Franz Joseph Haydn was born in the Austrian village of Rohrau in 1732. His family enjoyed singing folk songs, and they noticed his remarkable talent for singing at a young age. Haydn was sent to the Church of Hainburg for further training at the age of 6. Later, Haydn joined the choir at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. He also learned to play violin and keyboard during this time. He remained there until his voice changed during puberty.As a young adult, Haydn spent 8 years studying composers while working as a street musician and music teacher. His goal was to become a master composer. The Italian composer, Niccolo Porpora trained Haydn in the fundamentals of composition. Haydn's earliest work followed the Rococo style, which was simple and elegant.Haydn worked for the Esterhazy family for 29 years. During this time, he was prevented from forming friendships with the staff due to his employer's strict rules for employees. He also experienced marital discord. Haydn's work reflected this isolation by becoming darker and more foreboding. This period of Hadyn's compositions is known as Sturm und Drang, or Storms and Stress.After leaving the Esterhazy palace, Haydn met and became friends with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, despite their vast age difference and different musical styles. Haydn eventually moved to London, where he composed his 12 London Symphonies and experienced great success.Joseph Haydn spent the last twelve years of his life in his Viennese house which became known as Haydnhaus. It is located in an area that was once an outer village of Vienna called Gumpendorf. Haydn composed The Creation and The Seasons while living in this home, but he was unable to continue composing as his health declined later in life.The 200th anniversary of Haydn's death was in 2009. To commemorate the occasion, the Wien Museum renovated this house to more closely match historical models.

This is the house where Joseph Haydn spent the last twelve years of his life. It is located in an area that was once an outer village of Vienna called Gumpendorf. Haydn composed The Creation and The Seasons while living in this home, but he was unable to continue composing as his health declined later in life.

Haydnhaus

This is a metropolitan area with bars and venues transforming the area into a center for urban culture and nighttime entertainment. The Chelsea, the Loop and the Rhiz are each famous for different types of music and ambiance. There is a free yearly music festival held on the street in August.

Gürtel Nightlife

If you want a unique and unforgettable classical music experience in Vienna, consider attending an opera performed by marionettes in the Schonbrunn Palace. Since the performance is in English, you might want to look for the English rendition of the plot before heading for the show. In the left wing of the palace, tucked away from the tourists,this small but cozy outdoor theater resides. In case of rain you will be offered an umbrella, and a blanket will be precariously handed to you during the intermission.You will be welcomed to the world of the marionettes by the production director Christine .Before the play begins, grab a cup of hot chocolate and a traditional Austrian pastry. From a short introductory video you will learn how the humans moved their marionettes, and how an entire show was produced.As it turns out, in average, it takes puppeteers six months to master basic “puppet” steps, such as walking, sitting down and standing up. Up to three years - to gather a full control over the puppets. The show is performed for just 30-60 spectators which makes it almost a family experience. Artistic play, modern stage technology and a princely atmosphere will turn your evening into a special experience. You will feel appreciate that, back in the day, the Empress Maria Theresia happened to be fascinated by operas for marionettes composed by Joseph Haydn. Thanks to her, this tradition has lasted for over 230 years. The marionettes themselves are made from Swiss pine and lime wood and wrapped in silk and lace. Their artistic features and sleek bodies imitated theatre actors. Compared to humans, the marionettes are pretty small, just reaching up above puppeteer's knees. However, once the marionettes own the stage, and the humans turn invisible high above, they seem to grow bigger. After the show ends, Christine invites everyone to look backstage. Between rows of marionettes from different shows the visitors learn how the puppeteers move their marionettes.I promise, on the way home you will be humming arias you, probably, knew since you were little.

This is a marionette theater located in the left wing of the Schönbrunn Palace. Performances take place late in the evenings, from 8 pm until 10 pm (blankets are included in your tickets!). One of two operas is offered daily, year around: "Magic Flute" by Mozart or " Hansel and Gretel" by Humperdinck. The marionettes, costumes, stage sets, and stage technology are crafted in the UNESCO protected Marionette Theatre, following the 200+ years old marionette theatre tradition in Vienna.

Marionette Theater in Schönbrunn Palace 

Schonbrunn Palace used to be the summer residence of the Hapsburg royal family. The name of the palace is translated as "beautiful spring" from German. The reason for that was the fact the the palace originated at the location of an ancient well where water was consumed by the court.

Schonbrunn Palace Tour

After hearing many of the CIDRE participants talk about the film festival, we finally went. We were lucky enough to have STING as the musical act on screen (I have added a clip above). The house was packed on a Tuesday night and the pathways were lined with food vendors. Whatever kind of cuisine you wanted - you could have gotten! I of course wanted to grab some local food and tried the kasespatzel, a cheesy delight most similar to mac and cheese. Many of my colleagues went for Asian food. Everything was delicious! This is a great place to see a bit of Austrian architecture, food and culture.

The Belvedere Museum in Vienna has a summer concert series that runs from mid-May to mid-September in which they play past musical performances via an outdoor screen. The concerts vary from Classical to Pop to Rock and are nightly events. While the area with food vendors is loud and packed (get there early if you want a seat), the stage area is silent while the concert is happening. Austrians are known for being present and in the moment - this is a fine example of that! Our colleagues were able to see a symphony while we saw Sting play with an orchestra at a past new year's eve concert.

Theater im Park am Belvedere

The theatre opened on 13 June 1801 with a prologue written by Schikaneder followed by a performance of the opera Alexander by Franz Teyber. The new theatre proved to be a sensation. Adolf Bäurle, a local critic, wrote "if Schikaneder and [his partner] Zitterbarth had had the idea ... to charge admission simply for looking at the glories of their Theater an der Wien, Schikaneder would certainly have been able to take in vast sums of money without giving one single performance." The Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung called it the "most comfortable and satisfactory in the whole of Germany" (which meant at the time, "all German-speaking lands").[3]

The Theater an der Wien is a historic theatre in Vienna located on the Left Wienzeile in the Mariahilf district. Completed in 1801, the theatre has hosted the premieres of many celebrated works of theatre, opera, and symphonic music. Since 2006, it has served primarily as an opera house, hosting its own company.

Theater an der Wien

Gustav Klimt was the leading figure of the secessionist movement along with Koloman Moser. Above the Secession Building’s outside entrance is the phrase “To every age its art, to every art its freedom.” The group’s leaders and members turned to modernist and expressionist ways of presenting ideas and concepts about the self, as well as the human mind and body. The major work in the museum is Gustav Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze, which is a large mural along the top of the wall in the museum’s entrance hall. The mural is indicative of Klimt’s style. He used gold paint and nude (sometimes pregnant) figures to express the ideas of the time inspired by Sigmund Freud. The scale and scope of the building and of the Beethoven Frieze echo the grand concepts of Gesamtkunstwerk. The building was damaged by a German bombshell and set afire by their army in 1944. A refurbishment began in 1963 and the building has been continually updated.

The Vienna Secession Building was designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich near the turn of the 20th century (1898). The building housed the work of a group of artists called the secessionists, who turned away from the conservative art aesthetic of the time to tread on new territory and move into the tumult of the modern world.

 Vienna Secession Building

Musickverein, the home of the Vienna Music Society, is Vienna's most famous center for classical music. It has been called the planet's "Temple of Classical Music." It is the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Weiner Symphoniker. International music stars like Yo-Yo Ma have performed sold out concerts at the venue. The building is reminiscent of a temple and was built by architect Theophil Hansen. There are five main halls. The Golden Hall (Great Hall) is known for its extravagant decor. Apollo and the muses adorn the ceiling and columns of female figures of the ancient world outline the room. There are four "new" halls, named for the various mediums of which the rooms are made. The Glass, Metal, Stone, and Wood halls are known for jazz performances and spoken word poetry.

A concert hall in Vienna, also known as the Vienna Music Society, is Vienna's most influential music organization. The building opened in 1870, is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and is known for its superb acoustics.

Musikverein (Vienna Music Society)

The original building, constructed in 1869–during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I, was designed by August Sicard von Sicardsburg. The State Opera’s most famous director was the composer, Gustav Mahler. The State Opera was devastated by the Nazis and World War II. Post-Anschluss, the anti-Semitic laws and practices of the Nazi regime resulted in the removal and eventual murder of a number of prominent members of the State Opera. The building was left a ruin as a result of the Allied bombing of Vienna on March 12, 1945. Only the exterior and shell of the foyer remained intact. The core of the building, including the auditorium, was renovated, reconstructed, and reopened in 1955.

Vienna State Opera House

We visited The House der Musik early one morning during our time in Vienna.  Upon entering the museum, my colleagues and I noted that a large group of elementary aged students were also beginning their visit.  In order to ensure that everyone had enough space to explore the museum comfortably, our group was asked to begin on the second floor.  While mildly inconvenient to have to backtrack in order to see all of the exhibits, exploring the museum “out of order” did not detract from the experience of learning and playing throughout the interactive exhibits.When you visit, but sure to bring your inner child with you!  Many of the exhibits have a whimsical or fantastical feel to them, so it’s best to let your inhibitions go and really get hands on with the different activities!  Be sure to spend some time on the piano staircase, it really plays music as you climb the stairs!  Try your hand at creating a “Clong” in the Sonotopia exhibit.  Then kick back on the comfortable bean bag recliners and watch as the Clongs fill the overhead screen and create a symphony of sound.  On the fourth floor you can both experience a filmed concert of the Vienna Philharmonic performing on a big movie style screen as well as an opportunity to conduct a filmed version of the orchestra yourself.  The technology allows the video orchestra to really respond to your movements in order to speed up, slow down, and even change volume.If you stop by the Namadeus exhibit to see what your name sounds like as a Mozart composition.  Be sure to save your creation for printing on the end screen of the exhibit.  Some of my colleagues decided later in our visit that they did want to pay for a printed version in the gift shop, but they were unable to do so since they had not saved their creation earlier in their visit.  We were able to comfortably explore the Haus der Musik in about 2 hours.  This museum offers entertaining and interesting aspects for children, families, and adults alike!

The House der Musik (House of Music) located in Vienna, Austria, is an interactive museum of sound and music. With four floors of musical exhibits to explore, this museum provides visitors with a chance to learn about how sound is produced, famous classical Viennese composers, and the Vienna Philharmonic. Some popular exhibits include The Virtual Conductor (where visitors can try their hand at conducting the real Vienna Philharmonic orchestra), Namadeus (where visitors can find out what their name sounds like as a Mozart composition), and Sonotopia (where visitors can create their own sound creatures called "Clongs" that will float around a virtual world of sound).

Haus der Musik (House of Music)

Vienna’s cafes are as much a part of the culture as its baroque palaces, fine museums and famous music.  For centuries people have gathered in Vienna’s many coffee houses to visit, study, debate, date, and enjoy this vibrant city and its sophisticated traditions.  Artists, musicians, aristocrats, and revolutionaries alike met in Viennese coffee houses to share ideas and start intellectual movements.  Historically and today these cafes are the heart of Viennese culture.Several coffee houses have long histories and storied pasts but the oldest is Cafe Frauenhuber, which has been a cafe at this location for 200 years.  Prior to being a cafe, in 1795, it was the restaurant of Maria Theresa’s former personal chef, Franz Jahn.   Perhaps its greatest claim to fame is that both Mozart and Beethoven played their music here.  Historical records show that Mozart performed a Handel pastorale in November of 1788 and Beethoven performed his “Quintett for Fortepiano with Four Horns” in April 1797.  Cafe Frauenhuber is still a favorite today, serving traditional Austrian dishes and desserts. It is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00-8:00.  It has separate breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus but guests can also just enjoy a coffee drink in the comfortable, charming atmosphere.  For my lunchtime visit, I sat outside to enjoy the fine weather and people watching. I ordered the special of the day; salad and Marillen knoedel. The waiter was typically efficient and showed no interested in anything other than delivering food. The Greek salad was lovely and beautifully dished on a plate that bore the name of the restaurant. The knoedel were a surprising follow up to such a savory salad. Marillen knoedel are large fried dough balls filled with apricot and sprinkled with powered sugar. This made for a delightful brunch dish and I did my best to finish these fine spheres that looked like geodes. Like any good geode, the tart apricot center was a surprise in both color and flavor.To really feel the history of Cafe Frauenhuber, one must go inside. The interior is classically white with a gorgeous architectual ceiling. The bling and shine comes from several beautiful chandeliers hanging from the stunning ceiling. There are several alcoves for quiet dining and the pastry case merits a serious look. Both Mozart and Beethoven are referenced in the plaque outside the cafe.

Himmelpfortgasse 6 has been home to various businesses and tenants since the 1300’s.  Its earliest mention is as a bathhouse   Between 1782 and 1791, when the location became a popular cafe,  Mozart and Beethoven played regularly for dining guests.  It has been Cafe Frauenhuber since1824, and is known today as one of Vienna’s oldest cafes and a cultural institution in this city that treasures cafe culture.

Cafe Fauenhuber

Mozart, along with his family, moved to this apartment in 1784 when he was around 28 years old. The apartment consisted of several rooms that served different purposes. These rooms provided a glimpse into the domestic life of the Mozarts and the challenges they faced during their time in Vienna. One of the most notable rooms in the apartment is Mozart's composing room. This is where some of his most iconic compositions were created, including operas, symphonies, and chamber music. It's said that the apartment's location, nestled within the heart of Vienna's vibrant cultural scene, influenced Mozart's creativity and connected him with fellow musicians, patrons, and intellectuals of the time. Today, Mozart's apartment in Vienna serves as a museum, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to step into the world of one of history's greatest composers. Visitors have the option to learn more about the Mozart's life in Vienna through a guided audio tour.This historic site continues to attract music enthusiasts, scholars, and tourists from around the world, offering a tangible connection to the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.Regenerate

<h2>The last standing home of Vienna's most prolific composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is a tourist attraction in the center of Vienna, Austria. Admission begins at 12 EUR. Visitors follow a self-guided audio tour available in many languages. All bags are to be checked into a cloak room before beginning the tour.</h2>

Mozarthaus Vienna

Porgy and Bess maintains what is expected from any jazz club in the world by welcoming any musicians who push the limits of music. They host a variety of artists from around the globe who represent more than the jazz genre. They often create opportunities for collaboration between local and international artists. You can become a member by purchasing one of the membership cards that best suits your needs. All are great options since they host a show almost every night of the year. The card is discounted for musicians and students.This jazz club supports young people who enjoy good music. They host shows and events for children on Sundays. Children 16 and under have free admission when they attend a show with a paying adult. Membership card options include a discounted price for students and those who are 27 and under.Porgy and Bess also has a visual arts space that is part of the club. It is called public domain since it is open to all. They intentionally set themselves apart from a typical art gallery by removing limits of age and monetary value of the pieces on display. Artists do not require an art degree. The gallery is intended to blend music, dance, sculpture, and other visual arts with education and discourse.

The Porgy and Bess Jazz Club opened in the 1990s as a cabaret venue. It is a place for local and international musicians to collaborate and push the boundaries of music. Most of the daily live shows are streamed for free, but a donation is recommended. This opportunity was implemented out of a need for the music to continue and for musicians to get paid during the lockdown in 2020.This highly rated club is located 5 minutes from Stephansplatz.

Porgy and Bess Jazz Club

Entering the walls of Johann Strauss’s apartment museum, I was carried away to the 1867 Diana Ballroom swaying to “The Blue Danube” (1867).  According to the museum’s information, the Viennese waltz as an art form occupied various “spheres” including the musical and performing arts. Johann Strauss (elder) and Joseph Lanner had already elevated the waltz dance to a level of craftsmanship and creativity, but it was Johann Strauss (son) who really heightened the music into a respected, sophisticated art form that ultimately personified the time period (late 1800s). In the museum curation, I noticed Strauss’s drive for success and greatness.  I wondered what drove this artist to such a singular success? Was it the love of the composition, the music, the emotion, the fame?	Debuting as a conductor in 1844, Johann Strauss became a even more well-loved and well-known composer than his father Johann Strauss (the elder). To the the Waltz King I might say, "You reached your career heights and left an indelible mark on Vienna (and the world)." Strauss's music was not just for entertainment. His music also gave voice to his political leaning by creating compositions that supported the revolution(s). In each painting, sketch and caricature of Strauss in the museum, I can see his passion for the music and his enamoration for the spotlight. This curation of Strauss's life and artifacts speaks to the depth, breadth and universality that one man’s ardor, aspiration and achievement can have on generations!

The Johann Strauss Apartment is now a museum and a tribute to the Vienna-born "Waltz King,” celebrated composer and performer! The directions (via WienMobile or Google Maps) got my travel companion and me to the front of the somewhat non-descript building. Thankfully, a historic landmark sign mounted on the second story of the current building’s elevation is posted to assure Strauss enthusiasts that they are in the right place.  At the apex of his career, Strauss and his wife lived in this very apartment from the mid-1860s to the mid-1870s! While Johann Strauss was composing his memorable music and performing internationally, he and Jetty (a former opera singer) enjoyed this newly renovated apartment on the in vogue Praterstrasse (Strauss Apartment information). General admission is EUR 5 (all admission is posted on the website). https://www.wienmuseum.at/en/locations/johann-strauss-wohnung

Johann Strauss Apartment

Veranstaltungszentrum Arena is an open-air music venue that brings in such musical guests as Bon Iver, Tove Lo and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats. Indie, Pop, Adult-Alternative Rock, Etc...

Arena Wein

The Central Cemetery opened in 1874 and is the resting place of many of the biggest names in music. Some easily recognizable names include Beethoven, Brahams, and Falco. In addition to the graves and mausoleums, you can find the wildlife roaming the grounds. Deer, squirrels, and even hamsters call the Central Cemetery home. It isn't a guarantee you will see any, but maybe if you come early enough and stay quiet, you could catch a glimpse. While you can walk through the massive ~2 sq.km grounds, you are also allowed to jog or cycle to get a little exercise while you explore. Be careful navigating to the cemetery and make sure you specifically put "Central Cemetery" into you navigation system. There are several cemeteries throughout Vienna, all with their own charm, but you definitely don't want to accidentally have to backtrack across this huge city. Public transit is very easy to access and navigate, with the nearest stop about a 10 minute walk from the entrance.

The Central Cemetery is much more than just a cemetery. The cemetery has many hidden treasures for those willing to look for them. It is the resting place of many influential historical figures from Viennese history, is the habitat of several wild animals, and is a great location to get your steps in. The Central Cemetery the second largest cemetery in all of Europe.

Central Cemetery

The Zentralfriedhof is Vienna's largest cemetery with over 330,000 graves. Many of Austria's great musical composers are buried here. Aside from the graves and architecture, the cemetery is known for its beautiful landscape and natural scenery. One notable point of wildlife is the rare European hamster.

Zentralfriedhof

The famous composer Arnold Schönberg lived in this house in Mödling from 1918-1925. Presently it shows an exhibition of life and work of the famous musician on Thursdays from 10:00 - 3:00 pm.

Musical Heritage of Vienna

Musical Instrument Museum in Kunsthistorisches Museum

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context