Ever wonder how a district’s history is preserved? Right here stands the Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt. It is dedicated to Vienna’s 8th district.
The Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt holds around 20000 exhibits. They document the development of this central district. The museum’s story began with Josef Berka in 1938. He started collecting items for a museum. A support association helped him starting in 1943.
Sadly, a bomb destroyed the depot in 1945. The museum found a new home in 1948. It was in the Amtshaus on Schlesinger Platz. Ludwig Sackmauer led the museum from 1954 to 1992. The Ludwig-Sackmauer-Platz remembers him today. In 1962, the Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt moved to the Haus der Jugend. Finally, in 1981, it found its current location in the Schmidgasse 18.
Entering the Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt, you are greeted by historical house numbers. These numbers offer a glimpse into the permanent exhibition. The exhibition includes historical maps. These are Nikolaus Meldemann’s map from 1531. Also, there are maps by Van Alten-Allen and Anguissola-Marinoni. Do not miss the bird’s-eye view map by Josef Daniel von Huber.
One of the museum’s treasures is the original contract of Marchese Hippolito Malaspina from 1700. He sold his property to Vienna. This area became the suburb of Josefstadt. Another highlight is Empress Elisabeth’s black fan.
The Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt also has a library. It contains about 7000 books. The focus is on Josefstadt’s history. Richard Perger’s collection of 4500 books enriches the library. Special collections cover writers Friedrich Hebbel and Stefan Zweig.
Architects like Lucas von Hildebrandt are remembered here. So are Friedrich von Schmidt, Robert Oerley, and Max Fleischer. Josefstadt is celebrated as a “Mecca of Coffee Houses”. The Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt acknowledges iconic cafes like Café Eiles.
Many Vienna mayors lived in the 8th district. Cajetan Felder and Theodor Körner are among them. The Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt honors their memory. It also commemorates local patrons and founders.
Elfriede Faber led the Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt for many years. She also headed the Working Group of Vienna District Museums.
The building itself has a rich history. In 1841, the municipality of Josefstadt bought the house. August Engelbrecht designed the new municipal building. From 1845 to 1860, it served as Josefstadt’s municipal office. Later, it became the district office. A girls’ school was also located here. The Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt moved into the house in 1981. After renovations, it reopened in 1992. The building is now a protected monument.
The Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt is more than a collection of artifacts. It is a vibrant place. It preserves and shares the district’s unique story. It connects residents and visitors.