Nonseum

About the museum

It all began in 1984 with a nonsense inventors' fair in the courtyard of a house in Herrnbaumgarten: instead of the few guests expected, thousands came, and media from all over Austria reported on it. In 1991 the idea grew into the Verein zur Verwertung von Gedankenüberschüssen (VVG, Association for the Utilisation of Surplus Thoughts), which has since collected inventions that at first glance nobody needs.

In 1994 the association moved into a house of its own with around 250 square metres of exhibition space – the Nonseum. On display are numerous quirky objects, such as helmets, counting machines or walking aids with a very peculiar purpose, along with a collection of single socks and historic buttonholes. In 2001 Herrnbaumgarten was given the nickname “crazy village”.

In 2012 a 350-square-metre extension and a small association cinema in the barn were added, where two short films from the association's circle are shown. The grounds also include a garden, a courtyard and a stage; admission includes a tasting glass of wine or grape juice at the neighbouring wine bar.

Highlights

• Numerous absurd inventions with tongue-in-cheek descriptions
• Collection of single socks and historic buttonholes
• Association cinema in the barn with two cult films
• Tasting glass of wine or grape juice at the wine bar included
• Hiking trails around the “crazy village”

Permanent exhibition

• Nonseum – Erfindungen, die die Welt nicht braucht – The old building and the extension show the VVG's collection of curious inventions with humorous explanatory texts, complemented by single socks, buttonholes, the garden and the association cinema.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Verein zur Verwertung von Gedankenüberschüssen (VVG)

Admission & discounts

The adult ticket includes a tasting glass of wine or grape juice at the neighbouring wine bar. With the Niederösterreich-CARD, free admission once (without tasting glass). Half-day and full-day programmes for groups with laughter yoga, cellar tour or wine tasting for an extra charge.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Reduced children's and family tickets; children's programmes can be booked for rented celebrations.

Getting there & parking

By car from Vienna via the A5 to the Poysdorf Nord exit, about 45 minutes from the Vienna city limits.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available

Tasting glass at the wine bar of the Weinherren zu Poumgarten, a few steps away; the Gastwirtschaft zum Doppeladler inn is near the Nonseum. Next door, the village museum association runs the Greißlerei (grocery shop) with a museum shop and the Küchenmuseum (kitchen museum; separate admission). Dogs are welcome throughout the site.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 100 guests.

“Rent a Nonseum” for family, friends' and company celebrations from 50 adults for 3–6 hours: the old building, the new exhibition building, the garden and barn with cinema, and a stage with sound and lighting equipment.

Plan your visit