One of the lesser known attractions in Vienna, the Josephinum hosts a unique collection of anatomical wax models made about 300 years ago. The amount of detail is impressive and learning about the fabrication process makes it even more so. Unfortunately the Josephinum is closed until 2021 for renovation purposes. A crowdfunding initiative has been started that allows you to donate for the restauration and maintenance of the exhibit. Check out their website.

The place is nice but it won’t be very interesting for you if you are not into medicine and biology. The exhibition is almost exclusively made of wax figures and there are no labels, so sometimes you don’t know what you are looking at exactly.

Fascinating museum with a big collection of anatomical wax models. It has been recently renovated, and the information is available in both German and English. Totally recommend for those interested in the history of medicine, but not only.

I formerly worked for medical societies and have an interest in medical museums. The Josephinum has a collection of extraordinary wax anatomical models that were made as teaching aids. Including one depicting the cadaver of a beautiful young woman wearing a string of pearls. The intention of the figure, I assume, was to cause the medical students to remember the humanity of their patients, and that they are far more than simply a disease to be treated. A superb museum, clearly not for children.

The reopened building is brilliant. Very interesting exhibition of the Viennese medical history. Unfortunately, all progress at that time was driven by war. However, astonishing exhibits dated from the 18th century.

A beautiful exposition part of the Vienna medical faculty. Would recommend to check the visiting hours first since they are a bit odd.

Amazing place. The wax figures and models were created by Italian artists in the 1700's. The quality of the work is phenomenal. The obstetrics room was specially fascinating.

I’m not really sure how to rate this museum. The collection of wax models comprises most of the museum, though there are some interesting instruments to see as well. The models are beautiful, but have zero explanation or even labels, so unless you already know anatomy, it’s difficult to be interested. My teen daughter chose this museum, but has not taken anatomy and physiology yet, so she was lost. I do know anatomy and pointed some things out to her, but she prefers to learn by reading on her own. It’s kind of expensive for a museum without much educational value for the general public. However, it’s an incredible resource for students studying medicine.

Very cool, but we are a medical family. Amazing exhibits, totally correct - the artistry is incredible.

There is an impressive collection of wax models, and the temporary exhibitions are interesting and well-chosen. Recommended even if you, like me, are not particularly a fan of medicine.

Very nice guided tour (sa at 11 am is in english)!

The wax exposition is really detailed, however the other part is almost empty. No photos are allowed.

I went here last August. They have a remarkable medical wax model collection. It is truly amazing, you definitely have to check it out, especially if you are medical student/in medical field. There's discount for medical student, but the price is really cheap for what you're about to see.

I don't know what it's called. looked like this place is close permanently

Very elegant and well thought-out expositions. Conceptually I would divide the exhibition into (a) wax figurines of various anatomical parts of human body or whole somatic systems (lymphatic, vessels, ai...), (b) history of medicine with heavy emphasis of how local Josephinum and whole Hospital complex of VIenna and its staff play the role in the whole theatre of history of this field... The wax figurines are breathtaking and exquisite in detail - and to think that they were made in 18th century makes them even more fascinating. The expositions reflecting the history of medicine however hold their own weight. The mediums, artifacts and objects are, as it appears, selected with care and forethought. You are not just presented with walls of texts - personally, there is just enough of it, to give you some context. But beyond that, there are authentic, invaluable prints, paintings, instruments, artifacts, projections, etc...

Full of fascinating gore. Some body horror, for sure, but done for the furtherment of medicine.

It's a bit of a shame that the wax models don't have any labels. Other than that very nice museum, definitely something different than other museums in Vienna.

Amazing museum with a wide collection, the highlight definitely was the wax models.

Very interesting museum with a stunning collection of medical history. Can just recommend

Amazing wax figures of mean and women in various phases of anatomical investigation

Sick and neat.