Heeresgeschichtliches Museum

USPA NEWS - The Museum of Military History in Vienna is an absolutely fantastic treasure chest full of real WWI artifacts for the enthusiast. Constructed by Kaiser Franz Joseph I as an arsenal in a huge military complex and completed in 1856.

The Museum of Military History in Vienna is an absolutely fantastic treasure chest full of real WWI artifacts for the enthusiast. Constructed by Kaiser Franz Joseph I as an arsenal in a huge military complex and completed in 1856, the building itself features long corridors, statues, and golden ceilings. Badly destroyed during the Second World War in 1944, it was later restored to its former splendour.

The first floor has a very detailed exhibition on the entire course of the First World War with maps and explanations in both English and German. The jewel of the crown of the entire First World War exhibition, however, is undoubtedly motor carriage, uniform, and bed that archduke Franz Ferdinand was shot and died on. Serving as the most adequate introduction to the exhibition in the Sarajevo room.

Continuing onto the opposite wing, history continues into the interwar era. Informatively but respectfully exploring the social atmosphere and complex causes that led to the Second World War. Upstairs, one can find an extensive display of military artefacts from an even earlier time. Suits of shining amour, swords, and paintings of battles back in Napoleon´s days.

The museum is open everyday from 9am to 5pm except on special holidays, so there´s no reason not to go. It´s only €6 for adults, €4 reduced, an additional €4 for a guided tour or just €2.5 for an audio guide. Admission of the first Sunday of each month is always free. Children under 19, soldiers or civil servants in Austria can also enjoy free admission. www.hgm.at