Opened in 1889 as the Imperial Natural History museum, the Museum of Natural History is one of the most important museums of its kind. It stands directly opposite its “twin,” the Museum of Fine Arts, and houses over 20 million scientifically maintained objects. Many of the exhibits are priceless and irreplaceable, such as the 25,000 year old stone figurine named Venus of Willendorf, or taxidermy specimens of extinct species. The gem hall features a 117kg giant Topaz as well as Empress Maria Theresia’s bouquet of jewels. The insect exhibit has specimens collected in the 18th Century and purchased by the Hapsburgs from Johann Natterer, as well as the 60,000 specimens collected by Natterer’s son Joseph on his voyage to Brazil.
The dinosaur exhibit is a special draw for children. It features the entire skeleton of a Diplodocus as well as other dinosaurs, pterodactyls, rare fossils and prehistoric birds. There is a children’s room as well as guided tours especially for the young.
But it is not only the exhibits that amaze visitors, it is also the impressive building itself which lends the museum the air of a cohesive cultural heritage site. Modern technologies and multimedia features have been implemented over the years without destroying the historical structure of the building. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Museum of Natural History was voted as one of the top 10 museums in the world |
