1857–1913
Forming part of the Ringstrasse ensemble, these two museums were built to house the imperial dynastic collections. Designed in the Historicist style, they were conceived as elements of the Imperial Forum that was never realised in its entirety. Opened in 1889 and 1891 respectively, the museums held the rich imperial collections of art and natural history that had formerly been housed in the Hofburg and were now to be made accessible to the general public.
The Habsburg dynasty: Here you can read potted biographies, examine portraits from seven centuries and dip into the historical contexts of past epochs.
Select a period in Habsburg history, from the beginnings of Habsburg rule in the Middle Ages to the collapse of the Monarchy during the First World War.
The map shows the territorial development of the Habsburg Monarchy as it evolved into a sprawling, geographically fragmented empire.
Monarchical rule was legitimized by descent. The classic form of representing these relationships is the genealogical table or family tree.
Collected themes - browse stories and anecdotes from the history of the Habsburg Monarchy.
Most viewed stories
Choose from various themes to access and explore the history of the Habsburg Monarchy, for example 'work', 'love' or 'death'.
Journey through the different epochs of Habsburg history from the Middle Ages to the First World War.
All the members of the Habsburg dynasty. Read biographical notes and explore the historical context.
