Lehárvilla

About the museum

Franz Lehár first came to Ischl in 1901, where he also met his future wife Sophie. In 1912 he bought a villa directly on the Traun from the Duchess of Sabran-Pontevès, had it remodelled and spent his summers here from then on. Many of his operettas were written in the two studies with their grand pianos; librettists, publishers and artists such as his friend Richard Tauber came and went in the house.

Lehár wanted to set up his own museum even during his lifetime. His Schikaneder-Schlössl in Vienna had originally been intended for this, but after looting at the end of the Second World War he brought his collections to Ischl in 1945. When he died in 1948 he bequeathed the villa and outbuildings to the municipality of Bad Ischl on condition that the house be preserved unchanged and made open to the public.

After around six decades as a museum, the villa underwent its first comprehensive restoration from 2021. Because of cracks and a subsiding foundation, the building had to be secured with micropiles; at the same time a lift was installed and rooms were adapted for museum use. In May 2024, in the Bad Ischl–Salzkammergut Capital of Culture year, the house reopened. The rooms show furniture, paintings, clocks and works of art without display cases or barriers, as if the composer had only just left the house; a small exhibition by the Federal Monuments Office documents the restoration. Together with the Hotel Austria, the villa is one of the museums of the town of Bad Ischl.

Highlights

• Lehár’s study with the grand pianos on which many operettas were written
• The composer’s collection of antiques and art
• Fully preserved, luxurious bathroom
• Laurel wreaths for successful operettas
• Exhibition on the 2021–2024 restoration

Permanent exhibition

• Lehárs Sommervilla – The composer’s living and working rooms in their original condition with furniture, paintings, clocks and mementos, plus a small show on the restoration.

Operated by

Museen der Stadt Bad Ischl (Stadtgemeinde Bad Ischl)

Director

Herta Neiß

Admission & discounts

All prices include a guided tour. Discounts with Ischl Card, Salzkammergutcard, Salzburger Familien Card, Steiermark Card and spa card; discounts cannot be combined.

Accessibility

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

During the 2021–2024 renovation a lift was installed to make the villa accessible. Further information from the museum.

Kids & families

Children up to 14 years have free admission.

Getting there & parking

The villa is located on the Traun promenade (Lehárkai).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books, cards and souvenirs, including the catalogue of the villa.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit