Pratermuseum

About the museum

The Pratermuseum belongs to the Wien Museum and is devoted to the history of the Prater, above all the Wurstelprater, the traditional amusement district of the city. The core of the collection is the estate of Prater researcher Hans Pemmer (1886–1972), with around 8,000 individual objects from the period from the beginning of public use in 1766 into the 20th century.

For decades the museum was housed in a side wing of the Planetarium. In spring 2024 it moved into its own new building in the middle of the Wurstelprater, right beside the Riesenrad. The three-story house is largely built of timber and is one of the first public timber buildings in Vienna; it emphasizes ecological sustainability, for example with photovoltaics, heat pumps and climate panels.

In the foyer, which is accessible without admission, a monumental panoramic painting of the amusement park and the green Prater welcomes visitors. The floors above hold the permanent exhibition with historical carousel and Kasperl figures, parts of a grotto ride, early arcade machines, and plans, models, photos, admission tickets, programs and posters.

Highlights

• Monumental panoramic painting in the foyer
• Carousel and Kasperl figures
• Parts of a grotto ride
• Early arcade machines
• New timber-built house next to the Riesenrad
• Foyer accessible without admission

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung zur Geschichte des Praters – Over 250 years of the Wurstelprater: carousel and Kasperl figures, parts of a grotto ride, early arcade machines, plans, models, photos and posters.

Operated by

Wien Museum (Museen der Stadt Wien)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of every month.

Payment is also possible without cash using the Pratercard. The foyer with the panoramic painting is accessible without a ticket.

Accessibility

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

All entrances are step-free (Straße des Ersten Mai and Eduard-Lang-Weg); elevator to the exhibition floors, doors at least 90 cm wide. Tactile floor guidance system on the ground floor, tactile building model and tactile QR codes, induction loop at the ticket desk and in the cinema. Digital guide with room descriptions, texts in plain language and videos in Austrian Sign Language; film stations with subtitles. Assistance dogs allowed; personal assistants admitted free. Accessible parking space at Wolfgang-Schmälzl-Gasse 27.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Strollers may be taken into the exhibition area if there is enough space; baby changing table in the accessible toilet. Children and young people under 19 are admitted free.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Wurstelprater, directly at the Riesenradplatz. Bicycle parking spaces in front of the entrance to the Prater at Riesenradplatz.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Museum shop in the foyer, lockers in the foyer, free Wi-Fi, seating in the foyer and in the exhibition. Eating and drinking are not allowed in the exhibition area. Payment in cash or by Bankomat card.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The foyer can be used for events.

Plan your visit