The archive and the library of the Technisches Museum Wien (Vienna Museum of Science and Technology) are significant research institutions for the history of technology in the German-speaking area with a focus on technology, industry and transport.
Since the establishment of the Technisches Museum in 1908, the archive and the library have been integral parts of the museum’s concept and collection strategy. A special feature is the great variety of topics and sources in the historical holdings, ranging from estates of famous inventors and photo collections to design drawings, world exhibition catalogues and trade literature. The extensive holdings document the development of technology, trade and industry in Austria and the former crown lands of the Habsburg Monarchy. Archive & Library collection strategy
The archive and the library pursue a targeted collection and documentation strategy. This approach builds upon the unique characteristics and strengths of the existing historical collections. However, it now significantly broadens and enriches these with contemporary relevant aspects, adding a fresh perspective. This expansion includes, but is not limited to, research areas such as diversity, gender, and sustainability.
The reading room
The reading room is open to all museum visitors and researchers. Access is free of charge. We look forward to your visit!Access & opening hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00–16:00
By only.
Important notice: The reading room will be closed due to maintenance work from 07.04. to 05.05.2025.
By only.
Important notice: The reading room will be closed due to maintenance work from 07.04. to 05.05.2025.
Closed: 15.07.–31.08. & 24.12.–06.01.
The holdings can only be consulted in the reading room, as lending of publications is not available. Copying and scanning facilities are available if required.
The holdings can only be consulted in the reading room, as lending of publications is not available. Copying and scanning facilities are available if required.
Archive & Library research:
Information, inquiries & advance registration
+43-1-89998-5525 or
Team
Head of Archive & Library:+43-1-89998-2100
Archive
Archive for Austrian History of Technology:+43-1-89998-2160
+43-1-89998-2190
Archive for Austrian Postal History & Motor Sports:
+43-1-89998-2240
Archive for Austrian Railway History:
+43-1-89998-2180
Archive for Museum History:
Cornelia Schörg
+43-1-89998-2130
Library
Library, Journals:+43-1-89998-2140
Reading Room:
+43-1-89998-2190
DISCOVER ARCHIVE & LIBRARY
CURRENT PROJECTS
Open Access publications
The Technisches Museum Wien is continuously working on expanding its open-access offerings. Currently, the TMW Editions are accessible online, along with the newly developed born-digital publication insightOut. Journal on Gender and Sexuality in STEM Collections and Cultures. In progress are efforts to retro-digitise existing print volumes of "Blätter für Technikgeschichte" and the development of a digital format for the museum's scientific series.
Online exhibition and research platform
Women at Work
A multimedia online exhibition that invites visitors to explore, deepen and discover the museum's collections: Women at Work. It serves as both an exhibition and a research platform, showcasing high-resolution images and full-text digitizations for the first time. The medium shapes the form: what is often impossible during a museum visit – researching in the museum's collection – becomes possible here. More than 1,000 archives, historical publications, and other objects on the topics of the Vienna World's Fair, women's work, and education are made digitally accessible, opening up new perspectives.
