


House of Music
About
The House of Music is Vienna's most interactive museum where children can conduct a virtual orchestra, compose their own music, and experiment with dozens of hands-on sound installations. Located in the heart of Vienna's historic center, this multi-floor museum transforms classical music from something to listen to into something kids can touch, create, and play with, making it perfect for families who want an engaging indoor activity rain or shine.
Highlights
- ✓Virtual Conductor experience where kids conduct the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on a giant screen
- ✓Instrument Playground with hands-on exhibits creating sounds and rhythms
- ✓Staircase that plays musical notes as you walk up and down
- ✓Interactive exhibits about famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss
- ✓Sound experimentation labs where children can record and remix their own compositions
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings (10:00-11:00 AM) to avoid school groups and tour buses that typically arrive after lunch.
- 2.Don't miss the Virtual Conductor on the 3rd floor where kids can conduct the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Take videos as it makes a great souvenir!
- 3.Most signage is in English and German, and audio guides are available in multiple languages at no extra charge.
- 4.The museum can take 2-3 hours to explore properly, so plan bathroom breaks. Facilities are located on each floor.
- 5.Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the queue, especially during peak tourist season (July-August) and around Christmas.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and noon offer the quietest experience. Avoid weekends and Austrian school holidays when local families visit. Winter months (November-March) are ideal as it's a perfect indoor activity when weather is cold.
What to Know
Entry is budget-friendly at under 15 euros for adults and discounted for children (kids under 6 free). The museum has an elevator for stroller access. There's no cafe inside, but you're in Vienna's city center with countless nearby options.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with extended hours until 10:00 PM daily, making it flexible for families. Special concerts and events often occur during Vienna's festival season (May-June) and around Christmas. Check their website for family concert schedules.
Nearby Eats
Figlmuller (5-minute walk) is famous for giant Viennese schnitzels that kids love, with a casual atmosphere. Cafe Frauenhuber offers kid-friendly Austrian fare and is one of Vienna's oldest cafes where Mozart once performed.
More Activities Near Vienna
Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum
The Hofburg Palace offers families a fascinating glimpse into Austria's imperial past through its grand rooms and the engaging Sisi Museum dedicated to Empress Elisabeth. Special family tours make history come alive for children, with interactive elements that transform this former royal residence into an educational adventure rather than just a formal museum visit.
Museum of Natural History Vienna
The Museum of Natural History Vienna houses one of Europe's most impressive natural history collections in a stunning historic building. With dinosaur skeletons that tower overhead, genuine Egyptian mummies, glittering gemstones, and engaging interactive displays, this museum transforms learning into an adventure that captivates children while giving parents a dose of Viennese culture.
Vienna Museum of Science & Technology
The Vienna Museum of Science & Technology (Technisches Museum Wien) is a fantastic hands-on destination where kids can touch, experiment, and play with working exhibits spanning energy, transportation, everyday life, and more. With interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and a miniature railway that delights younger visitors, this museum turns learning into an adventure that keeps children engaged for hours.
ZOOM Kindermuseum
ZOOM Kindermuseum is Vienna's premier hands-on children's museum, designed specifically for young learners to explore through touch, play, and creative experimentation. Located in the MuseumsQuartier, one of the world's largest cultural complexes, this modern space features rotating interactive exhibitions, an art studio where kids can paint and sculpt, and a science laboratory for curious minds to conduct experiments.