Schloss Artstetten

About the museum

Artstetten is first documented in the mid-13th century; from a medieval stronghold developed a palace, which Emperor Franz I purchased for the Habsburgs in 1823. From 1861 Archduke Carl Ludwig had the property extensively rebuilt and transferred it to his son Franz Ferdinand in 1889, the later heir to the throne. This modernized the house, had a new building constructed for parts of his collections and shaped the park; since 1913 the complex presents itself with its seven towers in its present appearance.

After the assassination of Sarajevo in 1914, Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie of Hohenberg were buried in the family crypt beneath the forecourt of the palace church, because Sophie was refused burial in the Vienna Capuchin crypt. In 1938 the palace was confiscated, the sons Maximilian and Ernst sent to Dachau concentration camp; not until 1949 did the family regain possession.

Schloss Artstetten remains to this day property of the Hohenberg family and is inhabited by them. Anita Hohenberg, a great-granddaughter of the heir, established the Archduke Franz Ferdinand Museum, which opened in 1982. The exhibition 'Through the Keyhole: History Told!' illuminates the life, family and political thinking of Franz Ferdinand and the consequences of the assassination.

Highlights

• Family crypt of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie of Hohenberg
• Exhibition 'Through the Keyhole: History Told!'
• Bathroom from the time of Archduke Carl Ludwig
• Nature palace park with peonies
• Tours 'Servants' Tales'

Permanent exhibition

• Durchs Schlüsselloch: Geschichte erzählt! – Permanent exhibition of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand Museum on the heir to the throne as politician, collector and family person, the assassination of Sarajevo and the fate of the Hohenberg family.

Founded

1982

Operated by

Schloss Artstetten BetriebsGmbH

Director

Alix de La Poëze d’Harambure-Fraye

Admission & discounts

Admission includes museum, memorial site and nature palace park. With Lower Austria CARD free museum admission for individual visitors (park and tours not included, not for groups and events). Additional combination tickets among others with Oskar Kokoschka Museum Pöchlarn, Maria Taferl Treasure Chamber, Burg Clam and Ybbs-Persenbeug power plant visitor center.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Visit with wheelchair or mobility aid by telephone registration and only with companion (access to upper floor of museum and café via exterior). Exception: may drive to museum entrance and park there. Seating in tour route; hilly park has only natural paths.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities

Riddle booklet 'Great Bear Hunt' in museum and digital garden safari with explorer booklet and QR stations in park; children's tours and peace education workshops for school classes, children's night as event. Strollers difficult due to steps and uneven terrain, can be left at cashier.

Getting there & parking

About 10 km from motorway in southern Waldviertel above Danube (Melk district). Bicycle parking directly next to museum entrance; recommended bike route from Danube via Marbach and Maria Taferl.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Palace café with south terrace (April to October Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun and holidays from 10, July and August daily), picnic baskets by advance order; palace shop. Luggage storage and e-bike charging at cashier. Dogs on leash in park, museum and café allowed.

Events & venue rental

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

Historic salons for private and corporate celebrations, concerts and theater; civil weddings in Red Salon (up to 60 standing, 30 seated) or terrace salons (up to 40 standing, 25 seated).

Plan your visit