Kasematten Wiener Neustadt

About the museum

In the Middle Ages, Wiener Neustadt was among the most heavily fortified cities in Europe. When firearms no longer offered sufficient protection to the city wall and its outlying outer wall in the late 15th century and danger threatened from the Ottomans, bastions and outworks were expanded. Between 1551 and 1557, to plans by the master builder Johann Tscherte, a large complex with underground vaults was built at the southwest corner of the fortifications as a store for ammunition and guns, which could be hauled into the artillery courtyards via the vaulted street Strada Coperta.

Later the vault lost its military purpose. In the 19th century beer was stored there; when the ground was dug away to improve the room climate, Renaissance foundations and remains of the fortifications from the city's founding period around 1200 became visible. In the Second World War the complex served as an air-raid shelter, and until the end of the 1970s it was a legendary venue for jazz and festive events, after which it fell into disrepair for a long time.

With the Lower Austrian State Exhibition “Welt in Bewegung” (“World in Motion”) in 2019, the Kasematten were revitalised; the Ljubljana-based firm Bevk Perović added the Welcome Center and the Neue Bastei (New Bastion) and received the Piranesi Award for it. The permanent exhibition “Die Stadt als Festung” shows the development of the defensive works from the 13th to the 17th century with a 3D model projection, PC stations, a tactile model and hands-on models. In addition, the Kasematten are a venue for theatre, concerts, congresses and celebrations.

Highlights

• Renaissance vaults and Strada Coperta (vaulted street) of 1551–1557
• Exhibition “Die Stadt als Festung” with 3D model and tactile model
• Southwest corner tower, outer wall and Zwinger passage
• Exposed foundations of the city fortifications from around 1200
• Neue Bastei and Welcome Center by Bevk Perović

Permanent exhibition

• Die Stadt als Festung – The permanent exhibition shows the development of the city fortifications and the Kasematten from the 13th to the 17th century, with a 3D model, PC stations, a tactile model and hands-on models.

Founded

2019

Operated by

WN Kul.Tour.Marketing GmbH

Admission & discounts

Tickets are available at the Kasematten, at the Museum St. Peter an der Sperr and at the info point in the Old Town Hall. Free admission for members of ICOM, the Museumsbund and the Association of Art Historians, as well as with the Kulturpass “Hunger auf Kunst und Kultur”; 50% discount with the Plus Card Wiener Neustadt.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A tactile model supports the exhibition; as a venue, the complex is suitable for prams and strollers.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

Hands-on models appeal to young and old; for school classes aged 8 to 10 there is a journey of discovery with a gunner, and for older classes a programme on fortress construction and weapons technology. Children and young people up to age 18 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

By car via the Wiener Neustadt West motorway exit (4 km, about 5 minutes); from Vienna 60 km, about 45 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Café

A café adjoins the ensemble of the Welcome Center and the Neue Bastei.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 900 guests.

Over 2,500 m² of event space in three separately accessible areas (historic Kasematten, Neue Bastei, outdoor areas with roof terrace) for up to 900 people; weddings also possible.

Plan your visit