Salzburg Museum

The basics

Visitors can explore the Salzburg Museum independently, with an optional audio guide. The permanent exhibition uses paintings, artifacts, and interactive displays to chart Salzburg’s artistic and cultural history from the time of the archbishops. There are also musical instruments and multimedia stations to illustrate its musical heritage—including classical music like the works of Mozart, and The Sound of Music. Other drawcards include temporary exhibitions, a gallery on Salzburg artist Gottfried Salzmann, and the subterranean Panorama Passage, where displays of ancient Roman relics lead into the neighboring Panorama Museum.

One of the best ways to visit—and discover more of Salzburg—is via a Salzburg Card, which grants complimentary entry to the museum and other city sights. Packages combining the Salzburg Card with city and Mozart-themed tours are also available for those wanting to explore in-depth while saving time and hassle. Some Salzburg tours from places such as Munich also offer an optional museum visit.

Things to know before you go

• Allow about two hours to explore the Salzburg Museum.
• On-site amenities include restrooms, baggage lockers, and a café.
• The museum is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

How to get there

The Salzburg Museum sits in Mozartplatz in Salzburg Old Town and is easily accessible on foot from other parts of the old quarter. The nearest bus stop is Mozartsteg, just a stroll away. If you’re driving, it’s recommended you find parking in other parts of the city and walk to the Old Town from there, as parking closer by is very limited.

When to get there

The museum is typically open daily, apart from on major public holidays. Opening times vary according to the day and season, so check the website before setting off. The museum is rarely crowded, but aim to visit on weekdays and near the opening or closing times to enjoy the quietest surroundings.

Must-Sees at the Salzburg Museum

Many of the museum attractions are made extra-engaging by interactivity. Use touchscreens to hear the musical instruments and watch clips of Salzburg’s marionettes perform Sound of Music songs. Plus, don’t miss the excavated Roman wall in the Panorama Passage, which in turn—and depending on your ticket—opens into the adjoining Panorama Museum. Here, visitors can use telescopes to gain close-up views of J.M. Sattler’s magnificent circular painting of 19th-century Salzburg.