I had the pleasure of attending a preview into Vienna´s brand new Prater museum, which opened last week The museum is one of the several Wienmuseum (Vienna Museum) locations. The old location at the Planetarium has been closed for a couple of years, while construction of a new modern venue and restoration works of some of the exhibits were going on.
For decades, the Prater Museum has resided on the fringes of the action, tucked away in a side wing of the Planetarium. But now it has moved to a central location on the “Wurstelprater” – Vienna’s beloved amusement park – as one of the first public timber buildings in Vienna. The new Prater Museum is meant to serve as a model for the integration of ecological and social sustainability. Construction began in autumn 2022 and the new Prater Museum opened on 15 March 2024.
This new venue has a much larger exhibition area than the old museum. Spread over three levels, it allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant present of the Prater, without the visual overload that can go along with history museums. Although there are many objects to admire, I feel that it is tastefully done and has been carefully curated to represent the main themes and events in Prater´s history.
Right at the entrance, visitors are greeted with a delightful “I spy” type wallpaper, featuring many historic and contemporary characters associated with Vienna and the Prater.
The building itself is a marvel of modern design, constructed with a focus on sustainability with a lot of wood, and with a light and airy feel. There is even a viewing terrace overlooking nearby attractions.
The museum’s permanent exhibition is set up as a journey through time. As you explore a treasure trove of historic objects, photographs, videos, and interactive elements, the multifaceted story of the Prater comes to light. The museum also plans to host a rotating series of special exhibitions. There is even a multifunctional event room, which can be used for lectures, readings, workshops, etc.
The permanent exhibition delves into various themes, each offering a unique perspective on the Prater’s evolution. From its role as a social melting pot to its fascinating interplay with nature and technology, the exhibition explores how the Prater has mirrored and influenced Viennese life for centuries.
Vienna’s beloved Prater amusement park was not just a funfair – it was a social experiment with a long history. Opened to the public in 1766 by Emperor Joseph II, the Prater was a radical idea for its time: a place where everyone, regardless of social class, could come together and unwind. The Prater’s location, then on the outskirts of the city, but now in its heart, was previously a wild area, and so it was a perfect testing ground for this social experiment. To this day, it is a popular recreation area, with people enjoying the extended green spaces and of course the amusement park attractions.
Did you know that there was once a little Venice in Vienna? A mix of Venetian buildings with canals and squares was created according to plans by the Viennese exhibition architect Oskar Marmorek, an Austrian architect who specialized in exhibition architeture. In 1895 visitors could float down a man-made canal in a gondola and admire Venetian architecture and a lagoon, right here in the Prater. Ultimately the attraction faced dwindling interest from locals. Despite attempts to revitalize it with attractions like the Ferris wheel, it couldn’t sustain its initial success. The decision to replace Venice with other attractions reflects the changing tastes and preferences of the public during that time. The transition of the area to host exhibitions such as “International City” and “Electric City” demonstrates a shift in focus towards more contemporary and varied entertainment offerings. Finally 1912 marked the complete disappearance of this recreation of the “Viennese Lagoon City.”
A particularly intriguing section in the new museum explores the human body as a theme woven throughout the park’s history, while another sheds light on the grand theatrical traditions that have graced the Prater stage.
Several of the exhibition pieces have been beautifully restored — I had a chance to visit some of these objects while they were still under restoration last year.
Finally, the exhibition also pays homage to the “Prater families” – the generations of entrepreneurs who have tirelessly contributed to the park’s unique character.
The new Prater Museum is an interesting platform for celebrating the park’s enduring allure. It’s a place to be entertained, and connect with the very essence of what makes the Prater so much more special than many other amusement parks. So, when you are tired from all the rides and noise, step into a world of wonder and (re)discovery in Vienna’s beloved amusement park!
So perhaps the next time you’re on a Ferris wheel overlooking the Prater, remember – you’re not just at an amusement park, you’re experiencing a piece of Viennese history – which you can dive into at the new Prater Museum.
Where:
The new Pratermuseum is in the heart of Wurstlprater next to the “Autodrom” behind the ferris wheel, 1020 Vienna
When:
Opens on 15 March 2024
PHOTOS © KARIN SVADLENAK-GOMEZ
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