Ah, “die schöne Leich” (literally, beautiful corpse): Vienna’s funeral museum is a masterclass in the rituals, procedures and traditions of death burials until the early 20th century. Undertakers should take note.
One prime example of “funeral culture” on display at the museum’s impressive 1,000 exhibits is the sitting coffin designed by Surrealist painter René Magritte. His creation is tricked out with hinged trap doors and rescue alarms that can be heard from above ground—allowing even the most paranoid among us to rest easy.
Call in advance to book guided tours.
- Goldeggasse 19
- 1040 Vienna
- +431501950
- http:// www.bestattung-wien.at
- Download vCard
at Karlsplatz; 
at Schloss Belvedere
Morbid Moments Wien stirbt anders
Historically, as funeral processions made its way through the city center in the evening, flickering candles cast an orange light through the streets. The Habsburgers originally created these orchestrations; later the middle class imitated them. The State Opera House choir sang at funerals and the bodies were staged for a souvenir photo.previous next
