The House of Austrian History is a new museum in Vienna, opened exactly a hundred years after the founding of the First Republic, on November 12, 1918. The museum is dedicated to the contemporary history of Austria and covers the entirety of the country’s eventful post-WWI history, from 1918 to today, including the most-significant aspects of Austrian history, like the rebuilding of the nation after WW1.
This is a great educational experience for kids and teens as they will learn about the essence of Austria as a nation. For example, the museum tries to emphasize that the nation’s history is fraught with struggle and pain.
Having said that, the House of Austrian History depicts not only glorious eras of progress during the latest stage of the Habsburg Monarchy, the Austrian post-war growth, and the birth of democracy, but it deals with some controversial and ambivalent epochs like the destruction of democracy, annexation to the Third Reich, and the deportation of Jews. Luckily enough, the museum takes a balanced approach and succeeds in creating strong emotions while remaining true to historic facts. It also sees itself as a platform for discussion, looking not only backward, but perhaps more importantly, forward. The museum aims to make people, young and old, reflect and understand what impact history has on Austria’s present and future.
It also offers rich programmes for families, schools and groups of young people, beginning with age 6. Exciting, interactive, provocative workshops for school groups cover different aspects of controversial Austrian history and its impact on the present and future. Many topics around democracy, post-war miracles, Jewish deportations, immigration and international relations are included. How does fake news form our life? How can we stand for our rights in democracy? What´s the significance of borders between countries and how can we overcome them socially?
Family Mornings take place every third Saturday of each month and give families the chance to explore the museum together in a playful way with creative formats, active explorations, funny activities, devoted passionate staff members sharing plenty of exciting stories and enticing you to discuss history together.
The House of Austrian History is housed in Hofburg Imperial Palace, in the Neue Burg at Heldenplatz square. The entrance ticket entitles you to also visit the Ephesos Museum. All information is also available in English.