Natural History Museum Vienna Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (Natural History Museum Vienna) is one of the world's great natural history museums, holding over 30 million objects. Highlights include the 29,500-year-old Venus of Willendorf, a vast meteorite collection, and dinosaur skeletons. The museum building is a twin of the Kunsthistorisches Museum across Maria-Theresien-Platz, built in 1889 in the same Italian Renaissance Revival style.

Wheelchair access is through the side entrance at Burgring 7, which has a ramp and automatic doors leading directly to the elevator. Most exhibition halls are accessible via the elevator, with wide, flat galleries throughout. The rooftop is not accessible due to stair-only access. A new visitor elevator is currently under construction to improve barrier-free access; the existing elevator may have occasional closures during this work.

Getting There

• U-Bahn: Museumsquartier (U2) is a 5-minute roll. Volkstheater (U2, U3) is also close. Both stations have elevators.
• Tram: Tram 1, 2, D, or 46 to Burgring. The side entrance is along Burgring.
• Accessible entrance: The barrier-free entrance is at Burgring 7 (the side entrance). It has a ramp and automatic doors, leading directly to the elevator. Do not use the main entrance on Maria-Theresien-Platz, as it has stairs.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The barrier-free side entrance at Burgring 7 has a ramp and automatic doors, with direct elevator access to most exhibition levels.
• Free wheelchair loans are available at the information desk with a valid ID.
• Gallery spaces are wide and flat, with smooth floors suitable for wheelchair navigation.
• The restaurant and cafe are step-free.
• Braille maps and object descriptions are available at the information desk.
• Assistance dogs are permitted. Guided tours for blind and visually impaired visitors are available on request.

Accessible Toilets

Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available inside the museum. They have grab rails and adequate space. Ask at the information desk for the nearest accessible toilet on your floor.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Always use the side entrance at Burgring 7, not the main entrance. The main entrance has stairs with no alternative.
• Call ahead (+43 1 52177-205) to confirm elevator availability, especially during the construction period.
• Disabled visitors pay 14 EUR (reduced from 18 EUR) with a valid disability ID. One registered companion enters free.
• Under 19 enters free.
• The Venus of Willendorf is on the first floor, accessible by elevator. It is the museum's most famous object and displayed in a dedicated case.
• The dinosaur hall on the upper level is a highlight and typically accessible by elevator. Check current elevator routing at the information desk.
• Wednesday evenings (open until 8:00pm) are quieter and give more space for wheelchair navigation.
• The museum faces the Kunsthistorisches Museum across Maria-Theresien-Platz. The two museums make a natural pair for a full-day visit. Both have barrier-free side entrances on Burgring.
• The museum shop on the ground floor is step-free and has wide aisles.
• The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Plan your visit for another day of the week.
• The meteorite collection is one of the largest in the world, with over 1,100 specimens. It is located on an upper floor accessible by elevator.
• The museum also houses a digital planetarium. Check at the information desk for accessibility of planetarium shows.
• Maria-Theresien-Platz between the two museums has benches and a flat paved surface. The Maria Theresa monument in the center is worth seeing.
• For accessibility questions, call +43 1 52177-205 or email [email protected].
• Service dogs are permitted throughout the museum.
• The museum cafe on the ground floor has step-free access and offers a pleasant rest stop during your visit.