Theatermuseum

Lonely Planet review

The baroque Lobkowitz palace, which houses the Theatermuseum (Theatre Museum), is as much a delight to visit as the museum itself. Built between 1691 and 1694, it was the first of its kind in Vienna, and gained its name from the noble family who occupied its esteemed halls from 1753 onwards. The Eroicasaal, with its frescoed ceiling, is a sight to behold, and Beethoven conducted the first performance of his Third Symphony in the banquet hall.

The palace has served time as the French embassy and the Czech embassy, and as a fashion museum during WWII, but since 1991 has housed a museum devoted to the history of Austria's theatre. On display are costumes, props and set designs mixed in with theatre memorabilia, such Gustav Mahler's farewell message to the Vienna Opera Company. A small room hidden towards the back of the 1st floor contains an ensemble of puppets from puppeteer Richard Teschner. These works of intricate detail range from magicians to orang-utans and are vaguely reminiscent of Java's Wayang Golek wooden puppets. They are often used in performances; inquire at the ticket desk for times. The museum is included in the Gold and Silver tickets .