Haus der Mathematik

About the museum

The idea for the Haus der Mathematik arose in 2000: Gerhard Lindbichler, then at the Pädagogische Akademie, today's Pädagogische Hochschule Wien, and Manfred Kronfellner of TU Wien wanted to create hands-on mathematics. On 28 February 2003, the house opened in the rooms of a school in Vienna's fourth district (Wieden). In summer 2009, it moved to the ground floor of the Pädagogische Hochschule Wien in Favoriten, where it can still be found today.

The house is run by the non-profit association "Haus der Mathematik", which aims to make mathematics tangible and to popularise it. Lindbichler ran operations until 2016 and has been honorary chairman since. The house sees itself as a science centre and is part of the MintRegion Favoriten.

The core of a visit is the Erlebniswelt (world of experience) with play tables, the "exhibits", at which visitors try out mathematical formulas, game strategies and proofs for themselves; trained facilitators, known as explainers, accompany them. This is complemented by a mathematical journey through time that leads from pyramid building in ancient Egypt through the Greeks, with calculating aids and calculating machines of earlier times, to the modern era. A documentation archive collects information on distinguished Austrian mathematicians; with "HdMa on tour", exhibits also travel to other locations.

Highlights

• World of experience with play tables for hands-on understanding of mathematics
• Mathematical journey through time from the pyramids to the modern era
• Explainers who guide visitors through the exhibits
• Documentation archive on Austrian mathematicians
• Mobile programme "HdMa on tour" for other locations

Permanent exhibitions

• Erlebniswelt – Play tables invite visitors to explore mathematical relationships, game strategies and proofs for themselves; facilitators are on hand to help.
• Mathematische Zeitreise – From the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the modern era: calculating aids and calculating machines of past times show how mathematics has developed.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Verein Haus der Mathematik (gemeinnützig), in der Pädagogischen Hochschule Wien

Admission & discounts

On the Saturday dates for private individuals, a contribution towards costs of €4 per person is charged. Please enquire by email in advance for larger groups.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

According to the museum, the play tables are intended for people of all ages; for school classes, a visit from 4th grade is recommended.

Getting there & parking

The house is on the ground floor of the Pädagogische Hochschule Wien, Grenzackerstraße 18.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit