The Legacy

The furnishings deriving from the imperial household constitute part of the material memory of the Habsburg Monarchy. They are full of history and stories. This room gives an impression of the wealth and variety of the imperial legacy, ranging from light fittings and clocks, prie-dieux and spittoons to wall decorations, busts and showpiece vases. 

Facing these groups of objects are six themed display stands dealing with the history of this institution during the twentieth century. The first two stands focus on the construction of new premises for the ‘k.k. Hofmobilien und Materialdepot’ around 1900 and the institution’s new responsibilities after 1918. The next two stands deal with the use of imperial furniture to represent the Republic of Austria on state occasions, and its role in lending a touch of imperial flair to the popular ‘Sissi’ film trilogy from the 1950s. The last two displays explore the active role taken by the museum in addressing the themes of ‘Aryanization’ and restitution, and in conducting ongoing research in the field of furniture.

 

© SKB / Photographer: Dieter Nagl