Frequently asked questions (FAQ´s)

What does the German name of the museum - the Hofmobiliendepot - mean?

The word is made up of three elements: 'Hof', literally court, i.e. the setting in which the imperial family lived; 'Mobilien', which means moveable articles of furniture or furnishings; and 'Depot', the place where these objects were stored.

Is the museum a depository?

As part of the museum was originally a depository, the design of the new museum has incorporated this aspect. However, it is not a depot or store room in any conventional sense.

What exactly does the word 'Mobilien' mean?

"Mobilien", realted to the English word 'mobile', means any kind of moveable objects that furnish a room: chairs, tables, carpets, pictures, curtains etc.

Is the furniture available for purchase?

No. They are either museum exhibits or are still in regular use.

Can the furniture be hired?

Some items, such as the famous cotillion chairs, can be hired. However, most of the furniture in the collection is not for hire.

What is exhibited at the museum?

The Imperial Furniture Collection evokes the style of living at the imperial court, from Maria Theresa to Charles I, displayed in an unconventional, un-museum-like way. Part of the permanent exhibition is devoted to Viennese Modernism. One of the highlights of the permanent exhibition is the world's largest collection of Biedermeier furniture.

Why isn´t the furniture in imperial residences?

It was not until 1832 that the individual palaces had their own basic furnishings. Before that time, the necessary furniture was delivered to the palace shortly before the imperial family took up residence there. Today the former imperial residences are mostly offices or government offices.

What were spittoons used for?

During the Biedermeier era it was very fashionable to chew tobacco. After one had finished chewing, the tobacco was spat into receptacles which often had imaginative shapes and designs.

Is the painting of Empress Elisabeth an original?

The original of the famous portrait of Empress Elisabeth painted by Franz Xaver Winterhalter is displayed in the Imperial Apartments at the Vienna Hofburg.

What were funeral crowns used for?

Funeral crowns were used in order to indicate the rank of the deceased lying on the bier to the persons who had come to pay their condolences.

Why is the taking of photographs not permitted in certain rooms?

These rooms contain historically valuable textiles which can be damaged by flash photography.

What happens to the rest of the furniture that is not on display?

Although the museum is large, there isn't enough space to exhibit the huge amounts of furniture held by the museum. Most of the furniture is kept in the depository, which is immediately adjacent to the museum. The most important representatives of the Republic of Austria and the Austrian embassies abroad also draw on the holdings of the depository for the furnishing of their offices.

Where did the Egyptian Room and the Armorial Room come from?

The Egyptian Room originally belonged to the apartments of Empress Ludovica (the third wife of Emperor Franz II/I) in the Vienna Hofburg. The Armorial Room housed the library of the famous drama critic Hugo Wittmann and was originally part of his villa, which was built in the late 19th century.

What is it all worth?

Many of the objects were originally made for daily use. Their financial value is difficult to estimate, but their non-material, historic value is unquestionable.

Where can the tableware be seen?

Silver, porcelain, glass and other objects from the imperial household are exhibited at the former Court Silver and Table Room, today's Imperial Silver Collection. This can be visited together with the Imperial Apartments.