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The Academy of Fine Arts has a remarkable collection of 300 masterpieces from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Among them are works by Titian, Van Dyck and Rembrandt, and Hieronymus Bosch’s famous Last Judgment Triptych (c.1500). There is also a copper etching collection of more than 60,000 works (see p109).

The Albertina palace has undergone a major restoration and extension programme and is home to a collection of graphic art, architectural drawings and photographs from all periods. The 65,000 drawings and almost one million prints include works by Albrecht Dürer and Gustav Klimt (see p86).

For the Viennese, death seems to be an extension of life and funerals are done in style. In this small Undertakers’ Museum all kinds of funereal objects are on view. One of the less respectful items is the 18th-century “re-usable coffin” – its hinged bottom meant that the corpse could be dropped into the grave, leaving the coffin ready for the next customer.

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.

The horse-drawn carriages known as Fiaker are now largely used by tourists, but they were once the taxis of the city. Photos and models document the history of this Viennese institution.

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.

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.

The Josephinum houses a unique collection of anatomical wax models that were commissioned by Emperor Joseph II for the training of apprentice surgeons. The medical models were manufactured by Felice Fontana in Florence between 1784–8 and transported on donkeys over mountain passes to Austria. Many medical themes are covered here, but the wax models are the largest collection of its kind in the world (see p98).