Natural History Museum Vienna: Entry & Temporary Exhibits

Inside Vienna's Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, Gems & Centuries of Discovery

You get entry to all permanent exhibitions plus current seasonal displays, access to the interactive family areas, and the freedom to spend as long as you want in each gallery. The timed ticket system means you skip the entry line and choose your arrival window, so you walk straight in and start exploring without waiting.

Is this one for you?Right for anyone spending a day in Vienna who wants to see major collections without arranging transport or navigating entry lines—the timed ticket gets you straight in, and the range of exhibits means there's something for both first-time visitors and people who've been before.

What’s included

Your ticket includes entry to the Natural History Museum Vienna, access to all permanent exhibitions, admission to special themed displays and seasonal exhibitions, and access to interactive family and children zones throughout the museum.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Natural History Museum Vienna

• Enter Natural History Museum Vienna
• Explore permanent exhibits
• Visit temporary exhibitions
• Enjoy interactive family areas
• Optionally join guided tour

The Experience

The moment you walk through the entrance hall of the Natural History Museum Vienna, you're standing beneath a towering diplodocus skeleton that fills the space like a cathedral. Sunlight cuts through the tall windows and lands on the bones in a way that makes the whole thing feel less like a museum and more like stepping into another era. The building itself—all marble and high ceilings—was designed to make you feel small and curious at the same time, and it works.

The permanent galleries move you through time in a way that doesn't feel rushed or overwhelming. You'll see the meteorite collection, which includes the actual Mariana meteorite that fell in Austria centuries ago. There are gemstones arranged so the light hits them differently depending on where you stand. The Egyptian mummy room is quieter than you'd expect, and the fossil halls pull you in deeper with each display. Interactive family zones are scattered throughout, so if you're traveling with kids, there are spots where they can actually touch things and figure things out instead of just looking. Special exhibitions rotate through the year—right now there are seasonal displays that won't be there in three months, which is worth knowing if you've been putting this off.

You can move through at your own pace, which is one of the things that makes this different from a guided tour. No one's telling you to hurry or spend five minutes at a display you want to linger over. The optional English or German guided tour is there if you want context and stories, but plenty of people just wander and let the scale of the place do the talking. Public transport gets you there easily if you're staying in central Vienna, and the ticket itself is straightforward—no hidden fees, no surprise charges at the door.

Top questions

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours depending on how closely they look at each exhibit. There's no time limit once you're inside.

Are the special exhibitions included in the ticket price?

Yes, temporary and seasonal exhibitions are included with your entry ticket.

Can I bring children under 5?

Yes. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The museum has interactive zones designed for younger visitors.

Is there a guided tour available?

Optional guided tours in English and German are available. You can book these separately or explore independently.

How do I get to the museum?

Public transportation is available nearby. The museum is centrally located in Vienna's 1st district.

Can I leave and come back the same day?

Check the ticket terms when you book. Some tickets allow re-entry; others do not.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Cancellation and rescheduling policies depend on the ticket type purchased. Review these before booking.