NMW Research Collection

Currently, the scientific collection comprises approximately 100,000 specimens. Its annual increment amounts to around 500 items. The first catalogue of acquisitions to the collection dates from the year 1806, however, many specimens date from an even earlier time. The collection is referenced in the scientific literature by the acronym NMW, derived from Naturhistorisches Museum Wien. The geographic scope of the collection is global, the Palaearctic Region is represented best.

The collection consists of skeletons, study skins, furs and stuffed specimens, as well as specimens preserved in alcohol. Study skins are uniformly prepared specimens for scientific purposes. Stuffed specimens are artfully finished for exhibition purposes. They show the animal in the most natural position possible. The collection of mammals preserved in alcohol is small, however it is now in the process of being expanded in view of the fact that DNA for genetic studies is much easier to extract from specimens preserved in alcohol, than in dry preservation.

Study skins, skulls and the major part of the skeletons are stored in huge metal cases in systematic order. Stuffed specimens not on exhibition and skins are located in an air-conditioned basement storage area. The particularly valuable specimens of extinct mammal species (blue buck, quagga, thylacine or Tasmanian wolf, Syrian onager and Somali wild ass) are also stored here for conservation purposes. Mounted skeletons and antlers, as well as whale skulls and skeletons, are stored in adapted basement rooms.

A major focus of the collection comprises holocene mammal remains from cave floors. They constitute the most important source for studying the postglacial re-colonisation of the Eastern Alps by mammals. This material was collected mainly by Austrian speleologists.

The scientific collection may be accessed by interested persons upon appointment by telephone or in writing.

Bluebuck, Hippotragus leucophaeus, South Africa. Believed to be the first African mammal species to become extinct in modern times (around 1800). The Vienna bluebuck is the only female of the four remaining mounted specimens worldwide.
Bluebuck, Hippotragus leucophaeus, South Africa. Believed to be the first African mammal species to become extinct in modern times (around 1800). The Vienna bluebuck is the only female of the four remaining mounted specimens worldwide.
 Antler collection.
Antler collection.
Stuffed hides, skulls/skeletons of small mammals together with their file cards.
Stuffed hides, skulls/skeletons of small mammals together with their file cards.
Mounted specimens in our air-conditioned storage room in the basement.
Mounted specimens in our air-conditioned storage room in the basement.
Metal cabinets to store stuffed hides of small to intermediate mammals for research purposes.
Metal cabinets to store stuffed hides of small to intermediate mammals for research purposes.
  
Online-Tickets