Imagine the piercing shriek of a steam whistle cutting through the Vienna air. Right here stands the Feuerwehrmuseum. It displays Vienna’s fire fighting history. The Feuerwehrmuseum resides in the Merkleinsches Haus. This building was designed by Lukas von Hildebrandt. Construction took place from 1727 to 1730.
The Feuerwehrmuseum boasts a long tradition. It was founded in 1901. Vienna’s fire brigade participated in an international fire fighting exhibition in Berlin that year. Approval for the costs came with a condition. The exhibited items had to be shown in Vienna afterwards. Thus the Wiener Feuerwehrmuseum was born.
The exhibition rooms are on the first floor. One large hall features an impressive stucco ceiling from the 18th century. The Feuerwehrmuseum suffered losses and damage during both World Wars. Many objects were lost or damaged. Recent years have seen restoration and acquisitions. The collection has been enhanced with new objects.
Eight exhibition rooms await you. They showcase historical uniforms. See equipment photos paintings and documents. These items span over three centuries. They tell the story of Vienna’s professional fire brigade. You can trace fire fighting’s evolution. See horse-drawn ladder wagons with leather buckets. Discover water barrels for extinguishing fires. Gaze at the modern high-tech vehicles of today.
The Feuerwehrmuseum also highlights remarkable events. Learn about the tragic fire at the Ringtheater. Understand the impact of the fire at the Rotunda. Discover details about the fire at the Justizpalast. The museum brings these events to life.
The Feuerwehrmuseum details the evolution. It goes from medieval fire fighters to modern responders. See their wooden box syringes. Observe today’s personnel. They use modern protective gear and high-tech equipment.
A special exhibition focuses on Vienna’s volunteer fire brigades. There were about 50 volunteer fire brigades in Vienna. Almost all disbanded in the first half of the 20th century. The exhibition explores possible reasons for this decline. It reveals who these volunteers were. It shows how they shaped Vienna’s fire fighting. Discover display panels original documents and badges. See objects related to tragic incidents. View historical photos. Some depict women in volunteer fire brigades during World War I.
The Feuerwehrmuseum offers barrier-free access. A side entrance provides easy entry. All exhibition rooms are accessible. The cloakroom lift and toilets are barrier-free. Inside exhibitions feature accessible flooring and seating. An audio guide is available via the Hearonymus app.
A separate exhibit displays historic vehicles. It is located at the Floridsdorf fire station. The collection includes horse-drawn wagons. It features the first automobile fire engine from 1903. It extends to vehicles from the 1970s. Visits to this exhibit require an appointment. Call +43 1 531 99-51 508 to arrange a visit for a group of 10 to 20 people. The main Feuerwehrmuseum is free to enter. It is open on Tuesdays from 2 PM to 5 PM. It is open on Sundays and public holidays from 9 AM to 12 PM.
The Wiener Feuerwehrmuseum stands as a testament. It honors the brave men and women. They have dedicated themselves to protecting Vienna from fire. Their stories and equipment are preserved here. They offer a glimpse into a vital part of the city’s history.