Weltmuseum Wien: A Global Collection with an Austrian Story
The Weltmuseum Wien has a long and layered history. Its roots date back to the early 19th century, particularly with the establishment of an ethnographic collection in 1806, and interest continued to grow throughout the mid-19th century through expeditions, imperial connections, and scientific curiosity. In 1876, the ethnographic collection was established as part of the Natural History Museum; it later became the independent Museum of Ethnology in 1928, eventually evolving into the Weltmuseum Wien.
Its most famous artifact – the feathered headdress attributed to the Aztec emperor Moctezuma – was in Habsburg possession by the late 16th century (first documented in 1596) and eventually became part of the imperial collections. Over the centuries, artifacts from around the globe were added through various scientific missions, diplomatic gifts, and, in many cases, colonial enterprises. The museum has since acknowledged these origins and actively engages in debates around restitution, provenance, and ethical collecting.
After a major renovation, the museum reopened in 2017 with a modern design and a new mission: to promote cultural understanding and dialogue through objects and their stories. The updated permanent exhibition primarily follows thematic narratives rather than strictly geographical divisions, offering visitors a more cross-cultural perspective on the collections. This shift encourages visitors to engage critically with the idea of “world cultures” and how they’ve been interpreted through European eyes.
Today, the Weltmuseum Wien is part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum group and continues to work closely with global communities, researchers, and artists to present its collections in an inclusive, educational, and transparent way.
