Theatermuseum

The baroque Lobkowitz palace, which houses the Theatermuseum, is as much a delight to see as the museum itself. Built between 1691 and 1694, it was at the cutting edge of the baroque movement and took its name from the noble family who occupied the esteemed halls from 1753 onwards. The Eroicasaal, with frescos dating from 1724–29, is its decorative highlight; the banquet hall is where Beethoven conducted the first performance of his Third Symphony. The palace has temporary and permanent exhibitions on the history of Austrian theatre, but a little German is needed to fully appreciate it. The permanent collection is devoted to Gustav Mahler and regularly changes themes. 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.