Sisi Museum

"The Hofburg Palace is a must-see when visiting Vienna. It’s not for fun that this complex is called the ‘city within a city’ as it encompasses 240,000m², consisting of 18 wings, 19 courtyards and over 2600 rooms. Built in 1278 and until the end of Habsburg rule in 1918, the Hofburg Palace was home to the Habsburgs for over 600 years and especially famous for the years between 1854 and 1898 when Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Elisabeth lived here. At the museum today you can learn about the legendary Empress Elisabeth (nickname Sisi) through a museum dedicated to her life, examining her true character and habits. For the history nerds: 16-year-old Elisabeth, known by her childhood nickname Sisi, from Bavaria was married to her cousin, the 23-year-old Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, the absolute monarch of the largest empire in Europe outside of Russia, in 1854. Sisi was no ordinary girl and the move to Austria started a long line of reluctant royal consorts for her. Sisi fascinated the people with her dazzling beauty and ankle-length hair. She was just as interested in her beauty as the general population was. She spent three hours every day on hairdressing and an hour to pull a corset to her legendary 19.5-inch waist. Sisi was obsessed with her physique and followed a rigid diet and exercise routine that would most likely be classified as anorexia today. She had an exercise area in each royal residence where she lifted dumbbells and worked out on rings in her dresses! Besides exercise, she also took up smoking and even had a tattoo at the age of 51, all very uncommon for women at the time, which made her the further subject of gossip. To summarize, Sisi was stalked by the press, adored by the common man and plagued by depression and a severe eating disorder. Sisi did not get along with Franz Joseph's mother, Archduchess Sophie who attempted to groom her. After Sisi gave birth to her first child, just 10 months after her wedding, her Mother-in-Law not only named the child after herself without consulting Sisi, but she took complete charge of the baby, refusing to allow Elisabeth to breastfeed or care for her own child. Sisi had a second daughter in 1856 but the fact that she had not produced a male heir made Elisabeth increasingly unwanted in the palace. Sophie did not survive infancy and about a year after her death, Sisi gave birth to a son. Franz Joseph, who was a political conservative was very in love with Sisi, but she was a progressive democratic and a restless soul who fled her duties at the Vienna court. Elisabeth went on a life of constant travel to escape her life and sorrow. She was stabbed in 1898 while visiting Geneva by an Italian anarchist which led to her death. Good to know before visiting the Sisi Museum: If you buy the Vienna Card, just scan your pass directly at the turnstile of entrance B at the inner courtyard. A ticket includes a visit to the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum and Imperial Silver Collection There’s no cloakroom so don’t bring large luggage. 💸Entrance fee: €17,50 ⏰Opening hours: 10am to 5pm Last Admission: 1 hour before closing "

"The Sisi Museum, nestled within Vienna's Hofburg Palace, offers a deeply personal and poignant glimpse into the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, affectionately known as "Sisi." As you walk through the exhibits showcasing her elegant dresses, personal belongings, and the myths surrounding her life, you can’t help but feel a sense of sadness. The museum sheds light on the immense pressure she faced to maintain her image, reflecting the often unrealistic expectations placed on women of her time. It’s a captivating and emotional experience that lingers with you, making it a must-visit for those intrigued by history and the complexities of royal life."

"The Sisi Museum is incredibly beautiful, and no wonder that it’s so busy and filled with visitors. It houses a collection of Empress Elizabeth's belongings, featuring stunning jewelry and exquisite dresses that showcase her impeccable taste. The Stephan Apartments are also absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to take any photos or videos inside, so I don’t have any original pictures to share. The Sisi Museum is also included in the Vienna Pass."