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The Museum of Fine Arts (see pp18–21) and the Natural History Museum (see p103) are the two gems of Vienna’s world-class exhibition spaces and shouldn’t be missed by any visitor.

Dedicated to the elegant white stallions of the Spanish Riding School, the museum explains the history of the stables from the 16th century to the present. Paintings, uniforms and tackle are on display, and information is given on the horses’ breeding and training. You can also get a glimpse of the Lipizzaner horses through the stable windows (see pp16–17).

Designed by Heinrich Ferstel in the Italian Renaissance style, the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts opened in 1871 and is today among Vienna’s most exciting exhibitions. The permanent collection, presented according to periods from the Gothic to the present, includes world-famous works by the Wiener Werkstätte, an arts and crafts studio from 1870 to 1956, as well as exquisite glassware and lace works.

Opened in 1918, the Vienna Museum of Technology houses more than 80,000 exhibits from the world of technology, energy and heavy industry. The collections include many rarities by Austrian inventors, among them the world’s first turbine by Viktor Kaplan (1919) and the first functioning sewing machine by Josef Madersberger (1814).

The world’s first Jewish museum was founded in Vienna in 1895 but the exhibits were confiscated by the National Socialists in 1938. Today’s museum was established in 1990 and shows unique collections of ritual objects, such as Chanukah lamps and Torah crowns. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and has a library and archives.

Although the building’s postwar exterior doesn’t look very inviting, this museum is well worth a visit. Over three storeys Vienna’s history is documented with items spanning 7,000 years. The multifaceted exhibition also presents the lives of various famous Viennese as well as paintings by artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

Situated in the historic palace of Archduke Karl, the House of Music opened in 2000 and offers a journey through the world of music. Visitors are invited to experiment with sounds, to play giant instruments or to “conduct” the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Museum of Military History houses a collection of weaponry, uniforms and trophies that documents the imperial army from the 16th century to the end of the monarchy in 1918.

Around 800 cameras are on display here. Among the objects are KGB spy cameras disguised as cigarette packets or evening bags.

This museum is located in the Archbishop’s Palace and displays a selection of precious religious art, including liturgical objects.