Opened in 1889, two years before its art-focused twin across the square, the Naturhistorisches Museum was built to house the natural history collections the Habsburgs had accumulated over centuries — a scale and scope that still makes it one of the most important museums of its kind anywhere in the world.
The Venus of Willendorf
The museum's single most famous object is the Venus of Willendorf, a small limestone figurine carved around 25,000 years ago and discovered near the Austrian town it's named after — one of the oldest and best-known examples of prehistoric art anywhere, and worth seeking out specifically rather than stumbling past.
What else to see
Beyond the Venus, the museum's dinosaur hall, meteorite collection (one of the oldest and largest in the world) and gem and mineral rooms are the other standout sections — the kind of old-fashioned, cabinet-lined natural history museum that's increasingly rare in its unmodernised charm, alongside genuinely world-class specimens.
Local tip
A combined ticket with the Kunsthistorisches Museum is usually available and better value if you're planning to see both — the two buildings sit directly across the square from each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Natural History Museum in Vienna known for?
The Venus of Willendorf prehistoric figurine, a major dinosaur hall, and one of the world's oldest and largest meteorite collections.
Is the Natural History Museum good for kids?
Yes, it's one of the more family-friendly major museums in Vienna, particularly the dinosaur and mineral halls.