Overview:

The Hofmobiliendepot (Imperial Furniture Collection) is an important cultural institution in Vienna, Austria. The atmospheric premises in the centre of Vienna, located in a former armory, are one of the few places where art and furniture can be explored and experienced at the same time. It is the largest and finest historical furniture collection in Austria and contains more than 30,000 furniture pieces, ranging from the 16th to the 19th century. The collection originated with the private furniture collection of the Habsburg dynasty, and is the only surviving example of imperial furnishings. The collection consists of furniture, objects, paintings, prints, and porcelain all of which are displayed within a remarkably beautiful and unique location. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Austria
Prominent Features:

1. World's largest collection of imperial furniture from the Habsburg Empire: The Hofmobiliendepot in Vienna is the world's largest collection of imperial furniture from the Habsburg Empire, which ruled Austria for centuries. It includes furniture from several centuries and styles, including Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo, and East Asian. 2. Artworks from Hofmobiliendepot: The staircase of the Hofmobiliendepot is considered a living artwork with its unique lighting effects. Inside the museum, visitors can admire the wall-mounted tapestries, paintings, and sculptures. The museum also has an extensive selection of glass and porcelain objects from the imperial era. 3. Interactive Exhibitions at Hofmobiliendepot: The interactive exhibitions at the Hofmobiliendepot help visitors understand the history of the furniture and understand the collection. They also feature audio guides, videos, and hands-on activities to engage visitors. 4. Accessibility to the Museum: The Hofmobiliendepot is easily accessible via the tram and bus. Its location in the city center makes it a convenient destination to explore during a day trip or weekend in Vienna. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Austria.

History:

The Hofmobiliendepot (Imperial Furniture Collection) was established in 1865 by Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Hungary to preserve and collect furniture to represent the rich history of the Habsburg dynasty. The collection was first housed in the Imperial Palace in Vienna, and was intended to be used as a source of inspiration and education for the public. Initially, the collection contained several pieces of furniture and interior design objects from all eras of the Habsburg Empire. Over the years, the collection grew to include a number of items dating back to the Middle Ages. The collection expanded to include furniture, fabrics, ornaments, silver, and other objects from various European countries. A room dedicated to Franz Joseph I of Austria was added to the collection in 1904. In 1924, the collection was moved to the Arsenal building in Vienna and named the State Furniture Depot. Shortly after World War II, in 1946, the collection was renamed the Hofmobiliendepot, and parts of it were re-opened for public viewing. Since then, it has become one of Vienna's most important cultural institutions. The current Hofmobiliendepot premises comprises seven exhibition rooms featuring a variety of furniture, from Baroque to Biedermeier, from the 19th century to the present. It also includes a library and a museum shop. Today, the Hofmobiliendepot is a popular destination for Viennese and tourists alike. It provides a rich source of information on the history and culture of the Habsburg dynasty and allows visitors to explore the cultural patrimony of the dynasty. The collection is one of the largest and most diverse of its kind in Europe and is regularly visited by academics, students, and scholars for research. The Hofmobiliendepot also hosts a range of cultural events, including lectures, conferences, and exhibitions. In 2016, the Hofmobiliendepot was awarded the Austrian Museum Certification for its commitment to excellence in conservation, education, and research. Visit one of the famous monuments of Austria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Hofmobiliendepot (Imperial Furniture Collection) was established in 1793 by Maria Theresa of Austria as a repository for furniture, equipment and artwork belonging to the Habsburg family. 2. It served as the main repository for the Habsburgs, which included a wide variety of furnishings from different periods and countries, until it was closed after the fall of the Habsburg Empire in 1918. 3. When the Nazis occupied Austria in the 1930s, the Hofmobiliendepot was seized and some of the items were moved to the Hanselmann Collection in Berlin. 4. After World War II, the furniture collection was returned to Austria and opened as a museum in 1954. 5. It is currently located in the Kunsthistorisches Museum and is open to the public. 6. The Hofmobiliendepot boasts an impressive collection of 15,000 pieces of furniture, from the late 16th century through the 19th century, and from many countries around the world. 7. The collection includes furniture as well as tapestries, wall hangings, and fabrics. 8. The pieces of furniture in the collection are made from a variety of materials including wood, iron, bronze, glass and even animal horns. 9. There are also some unusual pieces in the collection that were made from ivory, bamboo and paper. 10. The collection has been highlighted in a number of documentaries, including an award-winning film in 2015, “Beauty of the Habsburgs: The Hofmobiliendepot.” One of the historical monuments of Austria, it tells the story of a bygone era