Today was our first major “Museum Day” in Vienna.
I am not a great person to travel with to Museums – as I like to stop and read everything. Often when traveling together as a family – everyone else would be finished and I was only half way through the exhibits.
There is an old saying that goes “the apple does not fall far from the tree” – which turns out to be an appropriate adage applying to Andrew in museums. So today I was not the last member of the Schulz family to be done with exhibits!
Andrew and I had a normal European buffet breakfast this morning at the hotel – then both of us worked on email for an hour or so before the museums opened. We set off a bit after 9 a.m. to spend the day at several of the museums in the historic district of Vienna.
We began our day in the Sisi Museum which celebrates the life of Empress Elizabeth (1837 – 1898) who was married to Emperor Franz Josef I. She was reclusive – but became much more famous after her assassination in 1898 by an anarchist. Following her death interest in her time alive really increased – and the exhibits really discussed her life and ambitions and how stifling court life was for her.
We then toured the Hofburg Imperial Apartments to see the living and work areas in which the Habsburg monarchs ruled over their empire. There were many original paintings and period furniture in the different rooms – and it was interesting to see the lavish and secluded lifestyle of the Hapsburg royals.
After walking through the different rooms, we headed next door to see the Hofburg Treasury. This museum had room after room of artifacts of the Habsburg family when they ruled – including some objects that dated back to the 900 A.D. timeframe. There were many garments worn by kings from the 1400’s which were in remarkable condition. The collection was outstanding and was one of the highlights of the day.
It was time for some lunch and a bit of a break – so we took the opportunity to dine in the Palmenhaus cafe located in the palace complex. The restaurant setting was in a large greenhouse which was used by the Hapsburg royalty for relaxation and entertainment. The setting was incredible – and the food was excellent as well!
Our final museum stop for the day was at the Natural History Museum – which had a combination of exceptional displays housed in a historic building that was an architectural marvel all in itself.
My Oura Ring was telling me that I significantly exceeded my normal amount of walking for a day – so we headed back to the hotel for drinks and dinner to end the day.
If did a return trip – what would I go back to see again?
The Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments were lavish – but probably not something I would go back to again. The Imperial Treasury was also interesting – but probably for me a one time event. The Natural History Museum was really well done and since we only saw half of the exhibits we plan on seeing the other half tomorrow.
Museum day #2 is coming up tomorrow – so stay tuned!
Kirk’s Travelogue 