Introduction
In 1895, Vienna became the first city in the world to open a museum devoted exclusively to Jewish history and culture. Fast‑forward to 2025, and the Jewish Museum Vienna (JMW) is celebrating its 130th anniversary with an ambitious exhibition titled “Threads of Memory: 130 Years of Collecting Jewish Vienna.” Scheduled to run April 2 – October 5, 2025, the show promises rare artifacts, digital interactives, and a fresh narrative that connects the city’s Jewish past with its dynamic present.
Exhibition Highlights
- Theodor Herzl’s Desk – On public display for the first time in two decades, the Zionist visionary’s writing desk anchors a section on Vienna’s role in modern Jewish political thought.
- Virtual Synagogue Reconstruction – A 360° VR experience recreates the 94 synagogues destroyed during Kristallnacht, allowing visitors to step inside lost sanctuaries.
- Women of Viennese Judaism – From salonnière Berta Zuckerkandl to Holocaust rescuer Anna Goldenberg, this gallery spotlights female voices often missing from mainstream narratives.
- Contemporary Voices Wall – A living archive where Viennese Jews leave video testimonies about identity, antisemitism, and hopes for the future.
Curators have collaborated with institutions across Europe and Israel, borrowing over 200 objects—many never before shown in Austria.
Special Anniversary Programs
- Opening Gala (2 April): A rooftop concert featuring Klezmer re‑mixes by DJ Shantel and remarks by Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen.
- Family Day (1 June): Hands‑on workshops where children create memory quilts inspired by the exhibition.
- Scholars’ Symposium (20–22 May): International historians debate new research on Viennese Jewish life between the wars.
- Night at the Museum (13 September): Late‑night guided tours in partnership with Lange Nacht der Museen, including kosher wine tastings.
All events are free with a valid exhibition ticket, but pre‑registration is required via jmw.at.
Travel Tips for 2025 Visitors
- Location: The main museum is at Dorotheergasse 11, a five‑minute walk from Stephansplatz. A second branch, Museum Judenplatz, hosts medieval exhibits and is included in your ticket.
- Tickets: Anniversary exhibition tickets go on sale 1 February 2025. Adult price: €16; combo ticket with Judenplatz: €20.
- Guided Tours: English tours run daily at 11:00 and 14:00. Book early—group size is capped at 20.
- Accessibility: Both sites are wheelchair‑accessible. Audio guides are available in English, German, Hebrew, and Russian.
Why This Matters
The 130th anniversary arrives amid a wider European Jewish revival and the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. By foregrounding personal stories and contemporary voices, the museum reframes Vienna not only as a site of loss but also of resilience and renewal. For Jewish travelers, the exhibition is a powerful reminder that heritage is living, evolving, and very much part of Vienna’s 21st‑century identity.
Practical Itinerary Pairings
- Morning: Start at Museum Judenplatz to see the excavated medieval synagogue.
- Lunch: Grab falafel at Maschu Maschu on Rabensteig.
- Afternoon: Head to the main museum for Threads of Memory.
- Evening: Catch a performance at the Stadttempel’s cultural center or enjoy a concert at the Musikverein—where Mahler once conducted.
Sustainability & Inclusivity
In line with Vienna’s 2025 Green Museums Initiative, JMW is introducing reusable exhibition materials and carbon‑offset tickets. A new partnership with Queer Museum Vienna ensures LGBTQ+ narratives are woven into the anniversary programming.
Plan Your Visit Now
Vienna is expecting a record 18 million tourists in 2025, so secure accommodation early. For boutique stays near the museum, consider Hotel Topazz Lamee (kosher breakfast on request) or the family‑run Pension Nossek.
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