Narrenturm - Pathologisch-anatomische Sammlung

The visit to the museum was absolutely fantastic and the staff was so nice! One part of the building is open to see on your own (ground floor), the other part can be seen only during a guided tour. We arrived about one hour before the guided tour and we were informed that the tour is only in German, but a staff member (black-haired Polish-speaking lady, I don’t know her name) organised a tour in English just for us. We were accompanied by Mr Martin, he did an excellent job of informing us about all the curiosities in a professional manner. The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes. If you are interested in what the museum has to offer, you should spend about 1,5 hours to see the rest of the museum on your own - so combined, at least over 2 hours. Standard ticket costs 8€, reduced student ticket 6€, additional 4€ for the guided tour. Money well spent. Unfortunately I can’t add any photos as it is forbidden to take pictures in the museum due to ethical reasons.

My teen daughter and I are both very interested in biology and medicine and looked forward to visiting this museum. The collection is good, with informative and clear explanations in both German and English. The history of the building is interesting and there are a few interactive displays with quizzes and additional information. Unfortunately, our experience was ruined by a group of young people who appeared to be students. They also appeared to know or be part of the staff. They were incredibly loud and obnoxious with booming voices and screeching laughter that never died down and could be heard across the museum. Who behaves like a pack of circus monkeys in a museum unless they are five years old? I sincerely hope that these were not medical students, considering the tact and maturity that the career demands. When we left, they were all standing in the foyer being as loud as ever and the staff did nothing. For a museum that stresses respect of the real humans whose body parts are on display, it seems that staff would stop this behavior - unless those young people were also staff. As we walked out, my daughter, who was incredibly annoyed at not being able to focus or enjoy the museum said “That was… disrespectful.” If a 15 year old intuitively understands this, how embarrassing for a group of 20-somethings not to.

The collection is equal parts shocking and educational. The display is organised in a logical way where you can go from room to room learning about certain conditions or bodily systems. As many say it is not for the faint hearted but those with an interest in the advancement of our medical understanding. As a psychologist I would have loved to have had more material and exposure to the ‘Lunatics Asylum’ that the exhibit is housed in.

Great place if you are interested in Medicine. Lots of parts of anatomy in jars including many deformities etc. It is has a very good explanation of how medicine has evolved.

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.

If you like curiosities, pathology and dark tourism this is the place for you. Unfortunately, the museum only shows a very small part of their entire collection, but what they show is very fascinating

Great place to visit, very interesting exposition, nice building and great price to quality ratio

I cannot put more stars. If I could, I would. One of my most favorite places not only in Vienna but in Europe. Every time I am visiting the city, I find time to visit. I was there before and after the renovation and it looks great. The amount of exhibit items is fascinating especially the first one from late 1700 (1792 or 1987 if my memory servs me well). Last visit I had the whole afternoon as time to really look and read and it put a whole other layer of interest. I strongly recommend to read and observe rather than rush through. And the guy that was on the ticket counter is the most kind and charming person ever. He made me feel very appreciated as a visitor. And if you have the time, visit the guided tour on the second floor. It is only in German. As a non-german speaker I did visit it and enjoyed it so much. I grasped here and there what was explained but even looking is good enough. If you understand the guide I imagine it would be even more interesting. The only thing that I am missing is the model of C-section that was on display before the renovation. But regardless I would visit again and would recommend that you visit. Please do not rush, try to free your mind and not be disgusted as this is part of nature and try to look it up from the fascinating and scientific angle it is showing. It can change your view on life and your lifestyle for the better.