Collection of Anatomical Pathology in the Madhouse Tower

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Collection of Anatomical Pathology in the Madhouse Tower – NHM

If the walls of the Madhouse Tower could talk, they would have so much to tell. Mind you, most of the stories would not be suitable for anyone of a nervous disposition. It was opened in 1784, and was where mental patients were once accommodated; people who were regarded as needing to be shut away from the rest of the population. Here in this imposing round building, hidden away behind the old Vienna General Hospital (today a university campus), up until 1869, the inmates led a miserable existence. They were locked in cells, sometimes even chained to their beds and strapped into straitjackets. 

Since 1971 it has housed the world’s largest public collection of anatomical pathology exhibits, with around 50,000 items, open to all visitors. The corridors and cells contain specimens showing all kinds of malformations and diseases, which were used by students and doctors, as today, to study human diseases and make advances in medicine. These days some people even contact the curators directly to offer parts of their body for inclusion in the collection after their death. Maybe that’s a particularly Viennese way of being remembered for ever ...

Collection of Anatomical Pathology in the Madhouse Tower – NHM

Spitalgasse 2, Narrenturm
1090 Vienna
  • Vienna City Card

    • Your benefit with the Vienna City Card: -25%

      Additional information on the offer:

      Entry: Standard ticket price 8€, reduced price 6€ / no discount on guided tour (4€)

  • Prices

    • Visitors under 19: Free admission
  • Opening times

    • We, 10:00 - 18:00
    • Th, 10:00 - 15:00
    • Fr, 10:00 - 15:00
    • Sa, 12:00 - 18:00
    • Closed on public holidays.

  • Accessibility

    • Main entrance
      • no steps
    • Further information
      • Seeing eye dogs allowed
      • Wheelchair accessible restroom available.
    • Special offers for people with disabilities

      Show collection and study collection wheelchair-accessible, Exhibition collection and study collection accessible barrier-free, special guided tours for people with disabilities and special needs on request, Questions or appointment requests: +43 1 52177-606 or pas@nhm-wien.ac.at

    • Comments

      Assistance dog allowed in the exhibition area.

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