Pfadfindermuseum und Institut für Pfadfindergeschichte
Volunteer-run museum and archive on the history of the Austrian scouting movement, with badges, uniforms and a shop.
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About the museum
The Institut für Pfadfindergeschichte (Institute for Scouting History) was founded in 1971 by the scout guild Kara Barteis, and the Pfadfindermuseum (Scout Museum) in 1989 on the initiative of Herbert Balka. Over decades, both collected everything related to scouts, with a particular focus on uniforms, badges, flags and honors. In 2004, the institute and museum moved to Loeschenkohlgasse in the 15th district; more guilds joined later.
Since 2021, the institute and museum have formed a joint association that is run entirely by volunteers and is financed through its own income, donations and sponsorship. The archive holds more than 250,000 documents, magazines, photos, certificates and newspaper reports; it includes material from all scout associations in Austria, past and present.
The museum shows items from the Austrian movement, mementos of the founder Robert Baden-Powell and material from world jamborees, as well as exhibits from other youth organizations. Special exhibitions change regularly; there is also a museum shop and museum talks.
Highlights
- Largest collection on scouting history in Austria
- Badges, uniforms, flags and pennants
- Mementos of Baden-Powell and jamborees
- Archive with more than 250,000 documents
- Museum shop with badges and books
- Founded
- 1989
- Operated by
- Verein Pfadfindermuseum und Institut für Pfadfindergeschichte
- Director
- Christian Fritz (Obmann)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Young people up to 18 |
| Children & teens | €2Young people up to 18: €2. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –For group visits of 10 or more children or young people, 2 adults go free. |
Groups are asked to register in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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
The museum is on the fifth floor, and an elevator is available.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Tours for children's and youth groups, tailored to age.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Schweglerstraße
U3 Schweglerstraße, trams 9 and 49, bus 12A.
By car
Short-term parking zone from 09:00 to 22:00, maximum 2 hours.
Entrance at Loeschenkohlgasse 25; the museum is on the fifth floor.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with badges, books and gift items during opening hours; proceeds support the association's work.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Group tours are tailored to age and interests. Please register in good time by phone with Johanna Paschinger, +43 664 2825022 (all staff are volunteers). |
