The Haydn-Haus, also known as the Haydn House or Joseph Haydn Museum, is a historic museum located in Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland, Austria. Situated at Joseph-Haydn-Gasse 19-21, it was the personal residence of the renowned composer Joseph Haydn from 1766 to 1778. Today, it serves as a dedicated museum showcasing Haydn's life, work, and the cultural context of his era, making it a key attraction for music enthusiasts and history buffs. The museum is part of the Burgenland cultural institutions and is protected as a historical monument. It features a permanent exhibition titled "Haydn@home," which immerses visitors in Haydn's private world through authentic rooms, artifacts, and multimedia elements. The site also includes a reconstructed Baroque herb garden, adding to its charm as an authentic 18th-century setting. With its central location in Eisenstadt's Baroque old town, near landmarks like Esterházy Palace, the Haydn-Haus attracts visitors interested in Classical music and Austrian heritage. Its coordinates are approximately 47°50′47″N 16°31′20″E.
The origins of the Haydn-Haus date back to the 16th century, with
evidence of a Gothic window in the main building indicating early
construction. The house underwent a major Baroque renovation in 1747
before being purchased by Joseph Haydn in 1766 from a widow, who
continued to occupy the ground floor until her death in 1778. Haydn,
then serving as Kapellmeister for the Esterházy family, financed the
purchase through installments and a loan from his employer, Prince
Nikolaus I Esterházy. During his residency, the house was damaged by
city fires in 1768 and 1776, with repairs funded by Esterházy. Haydn and
his wife, Maria Anna Theresia, lived in five rooms on the upper floor,
where he composed some of his works amid a bustling household that
included students after 1778.
Haydn sold the property in 1778 when
the Esterházy court relocated to Schloss Eszterháza, marking the end of
his direct association. Subsequent owners expanded the site by adding
side and rear buildings, originally used as stables and a hayloft. In
1766, Haydn also acquired a small vegetable garden (Kräutergarten)
outside the city walls, which he used for relaxation and composition
until 1778. The house's cultural significance grew over time: a
commemorative plaque was installed in 1898, and in 1935, the
Burgenländischer Heimat- und Naturschutzverein established the first
Haydn Museum in three rented rooms. After World War II, the property and
collections were transferred to the state of Burgenland. In the 1970s,
it was fully converted into a memorial museum. A major restoration
occurred during the 2009 Haydn Year, uncovering original wall paintings
from Haydn's time. In 1998, an adjacent building was acquired to host
special exhibitions. The herb garden was revitalized in 2002 in Baroque
style, and in 2018, a Haydn monument—a 3-meter-high marble block with a
bronze bust designed by Heidi Tschank—was unveiled nearby. As of 2025,
the museum continues to evolve, with ongoing programs emphasizing
Haydn's legacy.
The Haydn-Haus is a classic example of Baroque residential
architecture in Eisenstadt's historic district. The main building faces
Joseph-Haydn-Gasse and is a two-story structure with four window axes, a
light gray facade accented by simple white Baroque stucco decorations,
and a gently sloping saddle roof. A wide gate with pilasters leads
through the house to a small inner courtyard, separated from neighboring
properties by a wall—a typical feature of the street's urban layout. The
interior retains authentic elements from Haydn's era, including colorful
striped wall decorations, freigelegt (uncovered) wall paintings in two
rooms, and period furnishings that recreate the 18th-century atmosphere.
The house connects to side and rear extensions, which border the old
city wall and include a free-standing staircase for access to upper
levels from both inside and out.
The adjacent building, added in
1998, provides modern exhibition space while blending seamlessly with
the historic core. The overall design emphasizes modesty and
functionality, reflecting Haydn's middle-class lifestyle despite his
court position. The Haydn-Kräutergarten, located at Bürgerspitalgasse 2,
features a Baroque layout with medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental
plants, plus a small garden house where Haydn reportedly worked. This
outdoor space enhances the site's architectural harmony, offering a
serene contrast to the urban house.
Permanent Exhibition "Haydn@home": This core display recreates
Haydn's private rooms ("Zimmer, Kuchl und Cammer") with original
furniture, wall paintings, and artifacts. Highlights include portraits
of Haydn, personal letters, sheet music, musical dedications, an Anton
Walter hammerklavier from 1780, and a portrait medallion of his wife.
Multimedia installations allow visitors to experience the sounds of
orchestral instruments and explore Haydn's church music and operas
through interactive scenes.
Special Exhibitions: Held annually in the
expanded space, past themes include "Haydn and the Freemasons" (2015)
and "Haydn and Women" (2016), providing deeper insights into specific
aspects of his life and influences.
Multimedia Elements: Features
like the "This is how the Haydn House sounds!" extension and an octet
table make Haydn's music audible and tangible, showcasing his impact on
contemporary musicians.
Haydn-Kräutergarten and Monument: The Baroque
herb garden, free to visit, includes guided tours on plant cultivation
and uses. The 2018 monument, a marble block with a bronze bust of a
young, smiling Haydn, stands as a modern tribute.
Other Artifacts:
Original instruments, scores, and exhibits on Haydn's travels to London
(1792 and 1794), including details on 18th-century travel and
encounters.
As of August 2025, the Haydn-Haus is open Tuesday to Friday from
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
with adjusted hours (likely 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, based on standard
museum practices). Admission is €7 for adults, with free entry
available using the Burgenland Card from March 18 to November 16,
2025. Reduced rates may apply for students, seniors, and groups;
children and families often have special pricing or programs. Audio
guides are free and highly recommended for an enhanced experience,
available in multiple languages. The museum is small, so visits
typically last 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on interest in the
audio tour.
Guided tours for groups are available, including
thematic options for adults and creative workshops for children and
families. Summer programs include activities in July and August, and
the museum hosts children's birthday parties. The
Haydn-Kräutergarten is accessible from June to September, free of
charge, with guided tours focusing on Baroque herbs. Salon concerts,
in collaboration with the Joseph Haydn Private University of Music,
occur on the last Friday of each month from April to November. A
special event on September 26, 2025, features a concert with finger
food inspired by historical recipes.
Accessibility details are
limited, but the historic building may pose challenges for
wheelchairs due to stairs; inquire in advance for assistance.
Photography is generally allowed without flash. Visitors praise the
museum's modern design and informative exhibits, suggesting it's
ideal for music lovers but may feel brief for casual tourists.
Combine with a visit to Esterházy Palace for a full Haydn-themed
day. For updates, check the official website (haydnhaus.at) or
social media (Instagram: @haydnhaus.eisenstadt; Facebook:
@haydn.haus.eisenstadt). The site is easily reachable by public
transport from Vienna (about 45 minutes) or locally via bus.
The Haydn-Haus stands as a vital tribute to Joseph Haydn, one of the most influential composers of the Classical period, often called the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet." It provides an intimate, authentic glimpse into his private life, contrasting with his public role at the Esterházy court, and highlights themes like his marriages, travels, and creative process. As Eisenstadt's primary Haydn memorial, it complements other sites like the Haydn Church and Esterházy Palace, contributing to the city's UNESCO-recognized Baroque heritage. The museum's focus on multimedia and special exhibitions keeps Haydn's legacy alive, influencing modern interpretations of Classical music. Visitor reviews emphasize its educational value, with high ratings (4-5 stars) for insights into 18th-century domestic life and Haydn's London journeys. In 2025, ongoing programs like concerts and garden tours underscore its role in Burgenland's cultural landscape, drawing international tourists and fostering appreciation for Austrian musical history.