Literary Museum Vienna

The Literary Museum Vienna is a literary museum spread across three floors in the former Imperial and Royal treasury archive building of the Habsburg dynasty. The space showcases Austrian literature through original manuscripts and interactive media stations covering about 730 square meters of exhibition area.

The building was constructed in 1848 and originally served as the central archive for the Habsburg monarchy. Franz Grillparzer worked there as archive director and shaped the institution until 1856.

The museum showcases Austrian writers' works through rotating exhibitions that reveal how authors like Schnitzler and Kafka lived and created. The rooms themselves convey the atmosphere of the literary world across different centuries.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Thursdays until 9 PM, and offers guided tours and English-language tablets for international visitors. Allow at least two hours to explore the exhibition at a comfortable pace.

The office of Franz Grillparzer remains in its original state and displays authentic furniture and personal items from his time as archive director. This room offers a rare glimpse into the working environment of one of Austria's most important 19th-century writers.

Location: Innere Stadt

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

Part of: Austrian National Library

Address: Johannesgasse 6

Phone: +43153410780

Website: https://onb.ac.at/literaturmuseum.htm

GPS coordinates: 48.20477,16.37261

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:20