The Imperial Treasury Vienna houses priceless artifacts from Austria's monarchy, reflecting a rich heritage of dynasties that once ruled the area.
The exhibits at Imperial Treasury Vienna are displayed in two distinct sections: the Secular Collection and the Ecclesiastical Collection.
The secular collections at the Imperial Treasury Vienna offer an extraordinary glimpse into over a millennium of European history. The museum showcases a prestigious assemblage of royal objects, including the Imperial Regalia of the Holy Roman Empire, featuring the awe-inspiring Imperial Crown, Holy Lance, and Imperial Sword. Visitors can marvel at the Austrian Crown Jewels, which include the personal crown of Emperor Rudolf II and the regalia worn by Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria. The treasury also houses the regalia of the Archduchy of Austria, the Burgundian Treasury, and the original insignia of the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Alongside these regal artifacts, precious gems, such as one of the world's largest emeralds, adorn the displays. Notable highlights are the crown of Transylvanian prince Stephen Bocskay and the two remarkable "inalienable heirlooms of the House of Austria": a giant narwhal tooth, once believed to be a unicorn horn (Ainkhürn), and an Agate bowl from Late Antiquity, once thought to be the legendary Holy Grail. Additionally, Napoleonica artifacts from Napoleon II and his mother, Marie Louise, are also featured in this captivating secular collection.
The ecclesiastical collection at the Imperial Treasury Vienna presents a captivating assortment of devotional images and altars, predominantly from the Baroque era. It takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the intertwined history of art, piety, and religion. The exhibits provide insights into the medieval veneration of relics, showcasing the religious practices of the Habsburgs and the impact of the Counterreformation. Additionally, the collection reveals the post-baroque piety of rulers and offers glimpses into the folk religiosity of Austria. It is a testament to the profound influence of faith and spirituality on the cultural landscape of the region.
Display Case XIII at the Imperial Treasury Vienna holds historical significance due to the events surrounding its contents. In 1918, following the proclamation of the republic, Emperor Charles I verbally ordered the removal of jewels from the treasury to Switzerland. Count Leopold Berchtold, entrusted with the task, took Empress Zita's private jewelry as well as Habsburg-Lorraine family jewelry from Display Cases XII and XIII. Among the precious objects were renowned pieces like the "Florentine Diamond" and emerald and ruby sets linked to Maria Theresa, Marie Antoinette, and Empress Elisabeth. The legality and ownership of these treasures sparked debates for years. Although restitution demands were abandoned in 1921, discussions resurfaced during the "Habsburg Crisis" in the 1960s. Recently, the original Display Case XIII was rediscovered in the Imperial Furniture Collection, along with the empty cases left behind in the Treasury.
Some of the most famous exhibits in the Imperial Treasury Vienna include the Crown Jewels, the Holy Lance, and the Imperial Crown of Austria.
The exhibitions include royal jewels, sacred relics, coronation robes, regalia, delicate vases, and rare gifts given to Holy Roman Emperors.
You should plan to spend at least two hours to explore the entire exhibition.
You can access the exhibitions by purchasing tickets to the Imperial Treasury Vienna, which can be bought online.
Yes, photography without flash and tripods is permitted inside the exhibition halls.
Yes, visitors can see the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire at the Imperial Treasury Vienna.
Yes, there are religious relics on display in the Imperial Treasury Vienna, such as fragments of the True Cross and the Holy Grail.
The Imperial Crown of Austria exhibited in the Treasury symbolizes the power and authority of the Austrian monarchy throughout history.
Yes, there are numerous pieces of jewelry and gemstones of historical importance in the exhibits, including the largest cut emerald in the world.
Yes, visitors can see royal robes and garments worn by the Austrian monarchs, showcasing the grandeur and elegance of the royal court.