Kindermuseum Schönbrunn
Hands-on museum in the west wing of Schönbrunn Palace: children experience the daily life of the imperial children in the time of Maria Theresa with dressing up and games.
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About the museum
The Kindermuseum Schönbrunn opened on 16 June 2002 on the ground floor of the west wing of Schönbrunn Palace, initially under the name "Experience Schönbrunn Palace". It grew out of the family tours that the palace had offered for children since 1994. The aim was a museum for touching and trying things out that makes court life in the 18th century tangible; inspiration was drawn from children's museums in Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Denmark.
The operator is Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H. (Schönbrunn Group), which also runs the palace itself. In 2004 the exhibition was redesigned and expanded with further themed areas.
Today the exhibition extends across twelve rooms on the ground floor. It revolves around the life of the imperial family in the 18th century, especially in the time of Maria Theresa: clothing and hairstyles, personal hygiene, servants, toys, lessons and table manners. A time wheel makes it possible to see the difference between the lives of the imperial children and those of ordinary children.
There is historical toys to try out, a fan language as a secret code, the festive laying of the imperial table, and a large dressing-up corner where children become princes and princesses. Since November 2022, a ticket with a fixed entry time has been required for a visit.
Highlights
- Dressing up as a prince or princess
- Fan language as a secret code
- Setting the imperial table
- Historical toys to try out
- Time wheel: imperial children compared with ordinary children
- Founded
- 2002
- Operated by
- Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H. (Schönbrunn Group)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
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| Reduced | €11People with disabilities |
| Children & teens | €12free up to age 2 · Children aged 3 to 18 pay €12; children under 3: free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €11companion free · Companions of blind or visually impaired people and wheelchair users: free (with ID). |
| Groups (10+ people) | €8 per personChildren's groups/school classes (from 10 pupils) with a signed school confirmation, price per child. |
| Combination ticket Kindermuseum + Maze & Labyrinth | €16Adults and children aged 6–18; valid 27 March–2 November 2026; children aged 3–5 only need the museum ticket |
| Combination ticket Kindermuseum + Maze + Zoo (adults) | €38Valid for one year from the date of purchase |
| Combination ticket Kindermuseum + Maze + Zoo (children 6–18) | €28Valid for one year from the date of purchase |
| Children's birthday party (up to 11 children) | €375Flat rate including one accompanying adult, deposit €190; valid until 31 March 2027 |
Children aged 3 to 5 need only the Kindermuseum ticket for the combination ticket.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
All exhibition areas can be reached via ramps or lift. Loan wheelchairs are available against deposit of an ID at the turnstile. Accessible toilets at the ticket desk, in the Kindermuseum and on the first floor (there with the help of staff). Three disabled parking spaces in the forecourt by the main gate. For the palace, tactile tours for blind and visually impaired people as well as video guides in Austrian Sign Language and International Sign are also offered.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
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- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Hands-on museum designed for children and families, with a dressing-up corner, toys and role-playing. Children's birthday parties ("be an emperor or empress for a day") on request; flat rate for up to 11 children.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Schloss Schönbrunn
U4 to Schönbrunn; tram 10 and 60 and bus 10A to Schloss Schönbrunn. From Westbahnhof about 15 minutes on line 60.
By car
Parking available
Parking via APCOA and the Arrival Center; three disabled parking spaces in the forecourt by the main gate.
- Accessible parking
The entrance to the Kindermuseum is on the right side of the palace. Bicycles may not be taken into the park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
Bulky items such as backpacks, travel bags and umbrellas must be left in the cloakroom in the main building; dogs are not allowed (except assistance dogs).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Self-guided visit at a fixed entry time; tickets with a time slot have been available online since 24 November 2022. Children under 14 may enter the exhibition rooms only when accompanied by an adult. Enquiries about programmes at kinder@schoenbrunn.at, or by telephone Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
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