Loretokapelle / Hearts Crypt, Augustinian Church
Yet another example of the gruesome divide-and-conquer burial strategy of the Habsburg dynasty. It is said that other dynasties waged countless wars to acquire new lands, but "you, happy Austria, marry". Even in death, the Habsburgs placated three different churches with the honor of caring for their remains. The best known, the Kapuzinergruft, contains their actual bodies. St Stephens holds their innards (intestines and other parts taken out during the preservation process). But the Augustinerkirche holds, in the Herzgruft (Heart Crypt), all the Habsburgs' hearts. The tradition began in 1627 with Emperor Ferdinand IV, who wanted to "lay his heart at the feet of the Mother of God", literally. His heart, and those of his descendants, are preserved in silver jars which are carefully cared for by the Augustinian friars who run the church. When the renovation was underway it was found that the preservative in some of the caskets had evaporated over the years, leaving nothing but a dried-out, mummified heart.
Tours Mon-Fri 11:00, 15:00
The main auction site in Austria. Exhibits all sorts of furniture, art, jewelry, etc. Highly recommended. There are several locations throughout the city, the main one being at Dorotheergasse 17 in the city centre. The surrounding streets in this area offer a great many antique shops, where quality and prices tend both to be very high.
Viewing times: Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 09:00-17:00; Sun immediately prior to auction 10:00-17:00
State Hall
This magnificent historic library was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and built in 1726. As well as the spectacular room itself, you can see temporary exhibitions on various historical subjects.
Tue Wed 10:00-18:00, Thu 10:00-21:00, Fri Sun 10:00-18:00·€7 (adults), €6.30 (Ö1 Club and Vienna Card), €5.50 (seniors), €4.50 (students/military/disabled)
Austrian Theater Museum
Housed in the Baroque Lobkowitz Palace, this museum displays stage models, costumes, and props, with special temporary exhibits.
Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00·€8 (adults), €7 (Vienna Card), €6 (concessions), free (children and youth under 19)