A weathered wooden sculpture greets you. It’s the centerpiece of the Währinger district museum. This isn’t just any museum. This is the Währinger district museum a place where history whispers from the walls. It tells the story of Währing a district born from humble villages.
The Währinger district museum wasn’t always here. It began as a dream. Teachers formed a group. They shared a love for Währing’s past. They wrote a three-volume book. It documented the history of Währing Weinhaus Gersthof Neustift am Walde Pötzleinsdorf and Salmannsdorf. These were once independent villages. They became part of Vienna’s 18th district. The book covered everything. From the local flora and fauna to building projects and schools.
Their dream was to create a museum. A museum showcasing their beloved Währing. The group collected documents and artifacts. They faced challenges. The turbulent times hindered their efforts. Finding a suitable location proved difficult. The museum’s creation was delayed. It didn’t open until 1952. This was largely thanks to Hans Sartory. A factory owner and the grandson of a former Währing mayor. He played a crucial role in the museum’s founding.
The museum found a home in the district’s town hall. It initially closed after Sartory’s death. But it was revived. Local councilors from opposing parties joined forces. They restarted the Währinger district museum in 1970. The museum also publishes a magazine Unser Währing. It shares stories about Währing’s history.
The museum is small. It has just four rooms. One is dedicated to special exhibitions. The others showcase the permanent collection. You’ll find photos plans documents and objects. All tell the fascinating story of Währing. The museum features unique artifacts. There’s a model of a 1946 delivery truck. Also models from the former Lutz inn in Pötzleinsdorf. They show a horse-drawn carriage and a wine press.
The Währinger district museum is more than just exhibits. It’s a community hub. It hosts celebrations and exhibitions by local artists. Schoolchildren benefit from guided tours. Come and experience Währing’s rich history. Let the museum’s artifacts and stories captivate you. This museum isn’t just about the past. It keeps the spirit of Währing alive. The Währinger district museum is a testament to community spirit and historical preservation. It stands as a proud symbol of Währing’s enduring legacy.