Johann-Strauss-Wohnung
Memorial site of the Wien Museum in the piano nobile apartment where Johann Strauss the Younger composed the Blue Danube waltz; currently temporarily closed.
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About the museum
Johann Strauss the Younger moved into the apartment at Praterstraße 54 in the 1860s and lived here with his wife Henriette Chalupetzky until he moved to a villa in Hietzing in 1874. The stately town house on the then fashionable Praterstraße was seen as a visible sign of his brilliant career. In the winter of 1866/67 the waltz "On the Beautiful Blue Danube" was written in these rooms; today it is one of the best-known pieces of music in the world.
On the facade, a memorial plaque has commemorated the composer since October 1925, unveiled by the Wiener Schubertbund. The former living and working rooms on the piano nobile are now laid out as a memorial site of the Wien Museum.
On about 141 square metres, an exhibition on a single level in five rooms shows documents, objects and portraits on the life, family and work of the "Waltz King". Highlights include a Bösendorfer grand piano and an Amati violin from his possession. Exhibition texts are available in German and English.
As part of the Wien Museum's cost-cutting measures, the Strauss apartment was temporarily closed on 2 March 2026 together with other small sites; according to media reports, reopening is planned for 2028.
Highlights
- Apartment where the Blue Danube waltz was composed
- Bösendorfer grand piano from Strauss's possession
- The Waltz King's Amati violin
- Five rooms with documents, objects and portraits
- Memorial site of the Wien Museum
- Operated by
- Museen der Stadt Wien – Wien Museum
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Free admission under 19. |
Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
Prices according to the Wien Museum as of before the closure; companions of people with assistance animals had free admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The apartment is on the first floor; accessible via 29 steps or by lift (door width 80 cm). All exhibition rooms are on one level. Assistance animals allowed.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
Prams can be taken in depending on available space; admission free under 19.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Travel by Wiener Linien (route planning via the Wien Museum website).
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
Short-term parking zone applies throughout Vienna; nearest car park at Praterstraße 62; disabled parking at Praterstraße 37–39. Bicycle parking at the building.
The apartment is on the first floor of the building at Praterstraße 54.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | no |
| Photography | Photography and filming for private purposes allowed, without flash, tripod or selfie stick. |
| Good to know | Exhibition texts in German and English. Public tours ("Der Walzerkönig lässt bitten") took place on the first Sunday of the month. Payment by cash and Bankomat card. |
