Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the world’s most famous composers from the Classical period. Born in Salzburg in the year 1756, he moved to Vienna in 1781 at the age of 25 and spent much of his adult life working there. Whether attending a show at the Vienna State Opera, wandering around a museum, or hearing a piece of music in the background of a coffeehouse, Mozart’s influence is still strongly felt across the city. There are many attractions in Vienna associated with Mozart, but the pilgrimmage site for Mozart fans is the Mozarthaus. This museum is dedicated to preserving the famous composer’s legacy, while also letting visitors explore the actual home he lived and worked in.
The Mozarthaus provides an in-depth insight into the life of the composer in the very building where he composed some of his most famous works. The building itself dates back to the 15th century and has been a tourist attraction for over seven decades. There are three floors of the museum for visitors to explore.
Mozart’s Apartment
The main attraction of the Mozarthaus is the first floor, where visitors can explore the actual apartment that Mozart lived in. Mozart lived in the apartment from the years 1784 to 1787 and is the only apartment in the city Mozart lived in that remains today. The apartment consists of four main rooms and would have been quite sizeable during Mozart’s time. It was fascinating to see where he lived and worked especially as he composed some of his most famous works during the years he lived at the apartment, including Le Nozze di Figaro. It is also where he wrote three of the Hayden Quartets.
As you move on to the second floor, you’ll be able to further explore his music, as well as music of other prominent composers in Vienna at the time. This floor gives a great overview of the musical history of Vienna during Mozart’s time and also of his significant contribution to the culture of the day. One part of this floor that I really enjoyed was an installation that showed how Figaro productions are adapted and performed all over the world. It really exemplifies the international reach and appeal that Mozart’s work still has today.
The third floor of the museum takes a further look at Mozart’s life in Vienna. It’s an interesting insight into the overall cultural context Vienna when Mozart lived and worked there. Visitors can learn more about the glittering balls, popular fashion and overall socio-political ideas that made up the extravagant social scene in late 18th century Vienna.
Overall, the Mozarthaus is a must-visit attraction in Vienna for any fans of the great composer. The highlight of the museum is definitely being able to stand where Mozart lived and wrote some of his most famous pieces. The rest of the museum also gives a great insight into both his life and legacy.
Tips for Visiting the Mozarthaus, Vienna
1. How do you get to the Mozarthaus?
The museum is located in central Vienna and is easy to reach. It’s only a two-minute walk from from the central area of Stephansplatz
2. How much is a ticket to the Mozarthaus?
It costs about €12 for a standard ticker or about €25 for a family ticket which includes two adults and up to three children. In my opinion, it’s a great price for all there is to see inside.
Take a look here for the most up to date information on admissions.
3. When is the best time to visit?
The Mozarthaus is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm (with last admission at 6:30). Any time is good to visit, but if you’re looking to thoroughly explore the museum, just make sure you leave yourself enough time to do so.
Before visiting, make sure to check any updates on opening times here.
4. How long is needed to visit the Mozarthaus?
With three floors, there is a lot to take in and I probably spent about 1.5 – 2 hours reading every information sign. But of course, you can move through it at a quicker pace (probably about an hour) if necessary.
5. Did Mozart actually live in the Mozarthaus?
Yes! Mozart lived in the apartment on the first floor of the museum from 1784 to 1787. In fact, it is the only apartment Mozart lived in that can still be visited today.
6. What other Mozart attractions are there to see in Vienna?
There are many attractions associated with Mozart within the city that visitors can explore. You can visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where Mozart married his wife Constanze Weber in 1782. You can also visit the Vienna State Opera, where Mozart’s work has been performed for a number of years. I also highly recommend a visit to the Haus der Musik (House of Music) museum, which gives a fascinating insight into the history of music and sound.
If you’re looking to go further afield, you can also visit Mozart’s home city of Salzburg. If you do travel here, make sure to check out 10 Historical Things to do in Salzburg, Austria.
7. What other historical sites are near the Mozarthaus?
Vienna is a city filled with history and the central location of the Mozarthaus means there’s plenty of attractions to explore nearby. You can visit the Hofburg, the imperial palace that was home to the Hapsburg Dynasty for over 700 years. You’re also only a 10-minute walk from the world-famous Hotel Sacher, where you can try the original Sacher-Torte dessert.
This article’s information was last updated in August 2022.