Long Night of Museums

The ORF Long Night of Museums at NHM Vienna and in the Pathological-anatomical Collection in the Narrenturm.

The Natural History Museum Vienna (NHM) is a cultural and historical gem and at the same time a significant natural science institution, with collections that are more than 270 years old. Today around 30 million objects are kept there. The highlights include the Venus of Willendorf, Steller's sea cow and a special hall for science communication ('Deck 50').


THE LONG NIGHT OF NAMES (6 PM-12 AM)

No research without names! But how do animals, plants, minerals, fossils, anthropological and archaeological objects and even prehistoric cultures come to have internationally valid names? Find out more from the scientists at the NHM.

FAMILY PROGRAMME: THE NAMES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS (6 PM-10 PM)

Laughing kookaburra, palm thief, and viper's bugloss: Which species are meant by these terms and how did they get their vernacular names?

NAMES AND SCIENCE (10 PM-11.45 PM)

The scientific naming of newly discovered animal and plant species is a science in itself. Often species differ merely in tiny details that can only be recognised under the microscope. Join the special programme with micro show and microscopy in the laboratory on 'Deck 50' to find out!

GUIDED TOURS BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SCIENTIFIC COLLECTIONS (AT 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, 9 PM, AND 10 PM)

Pick up your reservation card and meet in the entrance hall. Limited number of participants.

VIENNA ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION (WAA) (9 PM-12 AM)

A look through the telescopes of the WAA at the stars over Vienna. Maria-Theresien-Platz, in front of the NHM.

NHM Vienna Branch at the Narrenturm

The Narrenturm with its pathological-anatomical collection (Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Vienna) also participates in the long night: The permanent exhibition showcases various topics of pathology as well as its historical development in Vienna. The history of the building, the so-called "Narrenturm", is equally discussed, including its historically accurate restoration.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE MOULAGE COLLECTION

With over 3,000 moulages, the Pathologic-anatomical Collection Vienna holds one of the largest collections of moulages in Europe – many of which can be seen as part of a guided tour. The history of moulage makers and the technique of anatomical wax modelling will be explained.
Tours start every hour. Duration ca. 30 minutes.



Tickets for the Long Night of Museums can be bought directly at the Natural History Museum Vienna and the Narrenturm.

More information about the Long Night can be found here.