Museumgasse 1- 5
Tel. (02682) 600 1234
Open: 9am- 5pm Tue- Sat, 10am- 5pm Sun
The Burgenländisches Landesmuseum, also known as the Landesmuseum Burgenland or Burgenland State Museum, is a regional museum located in Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland, Austria. Situated at Museumsgasse 1-5 in the historic center, it serves as the primary institution dedicated to showcasing the natural and cultural history of Burgenland within the broader Pannonian region. Founded in the early 20th century to foster a sense of identity for the newly established federal state, the museum's collections span geology, biology, archaeology, art, culture, folklore, economics, and contemporary history, encompassing over 75,000 objects that trace human activity in the area from prehistoric times to the present. As part of the Kulturbetriebe Burgenland network, it collaborates with sites like the Haydn-Haus and Landesgalerie Burgenland. The museum's coordinates are approximately 47°50′49″N 16°31′16″E. As of August 22, 2025, the museum is closed for a multi-year renovation project, with exhibits stored or relocated, but it remains a cornerstone of Burgenland's cultural heritage, emphasizing the region's unique position at the crossroads of Central Europe.
The establishment of the Burgenländisches Landesmuseum
was closely tied to the creation of Burgenland as Austria's ninth
federal state in 1921, following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian
Empire. Sándor Wolf, a Jewish wine merchant and antiquities collector
from Eisenstadt, played a pivotal role as the founding director,
envisioning a museum to represent the new state's identity through its
history and culture. From 1926 to 1938, the museum operated in the
Leinnerhaus, a property owned by the Wolf family, where Wolf had already
amassed a significant collection of archaeological and ethnographic
artifacts.
The museum's early years were disrupted by the Anschluss
in 1938, when Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. Wolf was forced to
flee, and his collection was "Aryanized" (confiscated under racial
laws). The institution was repurposed as a branch of the Lower Austrian
State Museum in Vienna, with directors like Richard Pittioni (1939–1942)
overseeing operations. After World War II, parts of Wolf's collection
were restituted, and in 1958, additional items were reacquired at
auction, integrating them permanently into the museum's holdings.
Post-war, the museum relocated to Museumsgasse 1-5, incorporating Wolf's
former residence at No. 5. It expanded in the 1960s and 1970s, with
houses No. 9 and 11 demolished in 1968 to make way for a modern annex
designed by architects Hans Puchhammer and Gunther Wawrik, which opened
in 1976. This addition blended contemporary design with the historic
structures. Over the decades, the museum hosted thematic exhibitions,
such as "Burgenland: 90 Years – 90 Stories" in 2011 to mark the state's
anniversary, and "Franz Liszt: The Genius from Raiding" in the same
year. Publications like Margit Pflagner and J. Marco's "Burgenland"
(1970) and the "Dehio Burgenland 1976" have documented its evolution.
In recent years, the museum faced challenges from outdated
infrastructure and environmental damage, including water ingress from
heavy storms in September 2024. On December 22, 2024, it closed for a
comprehensive renovation, marking a significant chapter in its history
as it prepares for its centennial in 2026.
The Burgenländisches Landesmuseum occupies a cluster
of historic buildings at Museumsgasse 1-5, dating from the 17th to 19th
centuries, which form a protected ensemble under Austria's monument
preservation laws. The core structure includes Sándor Wolf's former
residence at No. 5, a Baroque-style house notable for its ornate
wrought-iron works on the facade and interior, reflecting Eisenstadt's
architectural heritage. The buildings feature a mix of styles, with
elements like vaulted courtyards and traditional stucco details,
creating an intimate, historic atmosphere that evokes the region's past.
In 1976, a modern annex was added, designed by Hans Puchhammer and
Gunther Wawrik, which expanded exhibition space while respecting the
historic fabric. This extension introduced clean lines, large windows
for natural light, and functional display areas, facilitating the
presentation of diverse collections. The overall layout includes a
courtyard at No. 5, which has been used for outdoor events. The
renovation project, ongoing as of 2025, focuses on modernizing the
interior while preserving these features, including upgrades to
accessibility (e.g., ramps and elevators) and climate control to protect
artifacts.
The museum's collections, comprising around 75,000 objects,
provide a comprehensive overview of Burgenland's development, with
only about 20% typically on display before the closure. Key areas
include:
Natural History: Exhibits on geology and biology,
highlighting the Pannonian Basin's unique ecosystems, including
fossils and mineral samples that illustrate the region's prehistoric
landscapes.
Archaeology: A standout collection from Sándor Wolf,
featuring Neolithic artifacts, Roman mosaics (such as one from the
Kaiservilla in Bruckneudorf), and items from Celtic and Roman
settlements. Notable pieces include the "Attila Stone," a large
artifact linked to Hunnic history, and prehistoric tools.
Art and
Culture: Paintings, sculptures, and folk art reflecting Burgenland's
multicultural influences, including Croatian, Hungarian, and Jewish
heritage. The museum holds works tied to local artists and
historical figures like Franz Liszt.
Folklore and Ethnography:
Traditional costumes, crafts, and everyday objects that depict rural
life, economics, and customs in Burgenland.
Contemporary History:
Displays on the 20th century, including the state's formation in
1921, World War impacts, and the fall of the Iron Curtain, with
mementos symbolizing Burgenland's border role.
Special
features include interactive elements planned for the renovation to
engage younger visitors, such as hands-on stations. Before closure,
the museum offered multimedia guides and temporary exhibitions. The
Haydn organ, a historic instrument, is among the larger items stored
on-site during renovations.
As of August 22, 2025, the Burgenländisches Landesmuseum is closed
for renovation, with no public access to the building or permanent
collections. The project, which began in early 2025, addresses outdated
ventilation, heating (transitioning from gas), and building technology,
while enhancing accessibility and exhibit interactivity. Approximately
20 staff members are working from alternative offices in Eisenstadt,
planning the reopening. Smaller artifacts have been moved to a secure
depot, while larger ones remain protected on-site. During this period,
visitors are encouraged to explore affiliated sites like the Haydn-Haus
Eisenstadt (open with exhibits on Joseph Haydn), Landesgalerie
Burgenland (focusing on modern art), Liszt Museum in Raiding, and
Friedensburg Schlaining (a peace museum). Museum events and programs
continue at these locations, detailed in the "KUKURUZ" program magazine
(available online for 2025 editions).
When the museum reopens in
autumn 2026—coinciding with its 100th anniversary—standard hours are
expected to resume: Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and
weekends/holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Pre-closure admission was
around €7 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors, and
families; the Burgenland Card offered free entry. Audio guides in
multiple languages and guided tours were available. The museum is
centrally located, a short walk from Eisenstadt's train station and near
free parking. Accessibility improvements are a renovation priority,
addressing previous limitations in the historic building. Photography
without flash was permitted. Visitors rated it highly (around 4/5 on
TripAdvisor) for its eclectic displays, though some noted its
"old-fashioned" style pre-renovation. For updates, check the official
website (landesmuseum-burgenland.at), Instagram
(@landesmuseum.burgenland), or Facebook (@landesmuseum.burgenland).
Allow 1-2 hours for a visit post-reopening, and combine with nearby
attractions like Esterházy Palace.
The Burgenländisches Landesmuseum plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Burgenland's identity as a young federal state with deep historical roots in the Pannonian plain. By integrating natural sciences with human history, it highlights the region's multicultural fabric—shaped by Austrian, Hungarian, Croatian, and Jewish influences—and its evolution from prehistoric settlements to a modern border area. The inclusion of Sándor Wolf's collection underscores themes of restitution and remembrance, particularly regarding the Holocaust and Aryanization. Exhibitions like those on the state's 90th anniversary foster regional pride and education. As part of Burgenland's cultural network, it contributes to tourism in Eisenstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Baroque ensemble. The ongoing renovation, timed for the 2026 centennial, signals a commitment to modernization while honoring its past, ensuring the museum remains a vital educational and cultural hub for future generations.