New Museums & Cultural Attractions in Austria
Introduction
New attractions for 'The Sound of Music' fans, history and technology buffs - browse Austria's latest cultural offerings.
With around 800 registered museums, numerous exhibition venues and new highlights such as the Sound of Music Museum in Salzburg, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Mirabell Gardens or innovative visitor formats – from modern museums to escape rooms in historic settings – Austria displays its cultural vibrancy. It's a country that respects its history whilst boldly looking towards the future.
Please find some highlights of our culinary news below.
You can also download the full press release here.
Introduction
UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Mirabell Gardens
Salzburg, with its historic old town, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage for 30 years. To give this recognition a home, the city will open a World Heritage Centre in mid- 2026 in the south wing of the Orangery in Mirabell Gardens. The new exhibition focuses on UNESCO World Heritage in connection with the famous Salzburg Panorama by Johann Michael Sattler. The over 25 m long and just under 5 m high oil painting depicts the panorama of the city of Salzburg in 1825 as seen from Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Introduction
Sound of Music Museum in Hellbrunn
Hollywood classic “The Sound of Music” starring Oscar-winning Julie Andrews is as much a part of Salzburg as the beloved Mozartkugel, having been filmed here in 1964. Guests from all over the world visit the original filming locations on various tours, bake “Fräulein Maria‘s Apple Strudel” or attend a “Sound of Music” performance at Salzburg Marionette Theatre. With the Sound of Music Museum, a further attraction will open in Hellbrunn Park in mid-2026. The new exhibition will not only showcase the Hollywood movie as a cultural and tourist phenomenon, but also the real story of the von Trapp family. Part of the museum will be the pavilion known from the film.
Introduction
Steel World in Linz
Since 2009, voestalpine Stahlwelt (steel world) has been providing insights into the rich industrial history of Linz, and it was time for a redesign. Its reopening is scheduled for summer 2026. The newly designed exhibition will address voestalpine’s latest technologies and visions such as greentec steel, with noticeably more modern and digital displays.
Introduction
Reopening of the Theatre Museum in Vienna
After a year-long renovation, the Theatre Museum at Palais Lobkowitz in the centre of Vienna will reopen in November 2026. The museum, which is part of the KHM Museum Association, is dedicated to the city’s rich theatre history. There will be a new exhibition highlight to mark the reopening: an immersive presentation showcasing Gustav Klimt’s “Nuda Veritas”. This clear statement for artistic freedom marks Klimt’s bold break with the conventions of the time. The new tour provides insights into his life and features a selection of his works, including the original of the “Lady with the Purple Scarf” that will be on display at the Theatre Museum for the first time. The famous spandrel paintings from the staircase of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which impressively demonstrate Klimt’s talent for space and ornamentation, further enhance the experience.
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Our news are updated twice a year in cooperation with the regional tourist boards.
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Photos available below. Please credit all photos accordingly and use images only in connection with the featured destination/location.
The Mirabell Gardens
© Austrian National Tourist Office / Julius Silver
Children in the voestalpine Steel World
© Linz Tourismus / Robert Josipovic
The pavilion from " The Sound of Music" at the Hellbrunn Palace
More pictures in the media archive.