Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm

Museum · Alsergrund

Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm

Museum · Alsergrund

1

Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Wien, Austria

Photos

Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by ATLAS_OBSCURA
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by gingercinnamon (Atlas Obscura User)
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by ATLAS_OBSCURA
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by gingercinnamon (Atlas Obscura User)
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by ATLAS_OBSCURA
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by gingercinnamon (Atlas Obscura User)
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null
Pathological-anatomical collection in the Narrenturm by null

Highlights

Anatomical museum with pathology specimens in historic asylum  

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Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Wien, Austria Get directions

nhm-wien.ac.at

Information

Static Map

Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Wien, Austria Get directions

+43 1 52177606
nhm-wien.ac.at

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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18 Places To See Uncanny Specimens of Wax Anatomy

"Meaning “Fools’ Tower,” the Narrenturm was one of the first insane asylums ever built. Today the Narrenturm no longer holds mentally imbalanced Viennese, but it does contain something else of interest: The Anatomical-Pathological Museum. While the circular building (known by locals as “the poundcake”) houses only a small percent of the museum’s total collection, it contains some fascinating pieces. Syphilitic skulls that resemble Swiss cheese, jars of disfigured fetuses, and graphic wax displays of untreated STDs all peer out at you from the old cells. It also contains a recreated wonder cabinet, complete with a narwhal tusk and taxidermied monkeys. Keep your eyes open for the Hydrocephalic skeleton, towards the end of the museum. His enormous head is hard to miss. Update August 2017: The building is undergoing a major renovation and much of the collection has been moved into storage. Update 2021: The Narrenturm is open to visitors." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/18-places-to-see-uncanny-specimens-of-wax-anatomy
View Postcard for Pathologisch-anatomische Sammlung im Narrenturm

Elizabeth Dee

Google
Narrentum ("Tower of fools") - this anatomical museum is in the ex lunatic asylum. A collection of specimens and pathological findings for medical research and advancement. Tickets are valid for anytime that day, and the staff were welcoming. You wander at own pace, through various rooms, with good interpretive information throughout. No children under 14, and no photography for obvious reasons. I found this place fascinating.

Caitlin Madley

Google
Wow what a wonderful surprise. We are staying in the area and came across this museum on Google maps. We are so happy that we did. We spent time in each room, marveling at the specimens. Definitely worth a visit. 10/10!

Guy Avni

Google
Excellent museum about history of pathology. There are real exhibits of hundreds or more of all kinds of diseases, injuries... You name it. The building is located inside Vienna's medical university which is a nice place to wander as well, with many squares and fountains. Unfortunately, there is a no photography policy in the museum, so no photos attached here.

Daniel Gebhard

Google
We really enjoyed the exhibition and pieces they display, but you should really show interest in the field otherwise it could be quite repetitive. The building itself is also quite special, plan at least with 1 1/2h for your visit.

Anh Ha

Google
Interesting medical pathology exhibit. A little sparse in collection but the worth the entry price. We also find the museum and campus of the Universität de Wien a quiet refuge from the more bustling atmosphere of the city.

Wai Cheung

Google
If you are fascinated by medicine related matters, this place is for you. However, if you don’t like to see internal organs, stay away from this place.

Helen Rickard

Google
Interesting displays but no access to the upper floors. Really rude and aggressive member of staff - genuinely found him threatening when I failed to notice a sign forbidding access to the upper floors. Disgusting women's toilets (see pic) that suggest that no one gives a monkeys about the experience once they have your money.

Amanda

Google
This is a fantastic museum! There's a wealth of information and plenty of artifacts - from preserved specimens to medical devices. Completely fascinating and well worth the modest entry fee.