Imperial Carriage Museum
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Vienna, 1130
From sedan chairs to ceremonial state coaches, the Imperial Carriage Museum showcases the dazzling carriages used by the Viennese court over the centuries. The collection includes 600 vehicles—170 of which are on display—including two lavishly gilded 18th-century imperial carriages, as well as ornate saddlery, courtly robes, and livery.
The basics
Book your Imperial Carriage Museum ticket in advance to avoid the line and spend more time taking in extravagant carriages, from an elaborate black-and-gold embossed coronation landau from 1825 to an elegant 19th-century hearse, subtly decorated with painted and carved black flowers. You can also pair your visit with a tour of the nearby Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens or stop in as part of a larger Vienna guided or hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Regardless of how you visit, you won’t want to miss the collection’s headliners: two opulent golden carriages, testament to the wealth and power of the Habsburg dynasty. Marvel at the carousel made in 1742 for Empress Maria Theresia and the Imperial Carriage, built for Emperor Joseph II in 1764 and so heavily gilded that it could only be pulled by a team of eight horses at walking pace.
Things to know before you go
- There is a small gift shop located inside the museum with audio guides available, but no café or restaurant.
- The Imperial Carriage Museum is one of the city attractions included in the Vienna City Pass for discounted admission.
- Photography without flash is allowed in the museum.
- The museum is completely accessible to wheelchair users.
How to get there
The Imperial Carriage Museum (Kaiserliche Wagenburg Wien) is part of the Schönbrunn Palace complex and gardens located on the outskirts of Vienna, roughly a 15-minute drive from the city’s historic center. Take the U4 underground line, tram 10 or 16, or the 10A bus to the Schönbrunn stop.
When to get there
The museum is open daily but can be crowded on weekends and holidays, when visitors flock to visit the Schönbrunn Palace and its nearby sights. Stop by on a weekday morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Highlights of the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
Vienna’s UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace complex is one of the most impressive sights in the city, and a jewel of baroque architecture. You can visit 40 of the palace’s 1,441 rooms—including the imperial apartments of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth (Sisi)—and the Children’s Museum, as well as the vast palace gardens, home to the Palm House, Desert House, and zoo.
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