Mozarthaus

During his stay in Vienna Mozart lived at many different addresses, however, the only residence that has survived to this day is this house in the old town, close to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It is the largest and most elegant apartment ever occupied by Mozart.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791) was a prolific and influential composer, creating more than 600 works that included sonatas, concertos, masses, operas, chamber music and symphonies. He played multiple instruments from his earliest childhood, composed from the age of five and performed before European royalty. In 1781 he decided to move to Vienna form his birth town, Salzburg, where he was able to achieve fame. He became a celebrated composer with an illustrious circle of friends. However, he was never able to accomplish financial security.

The building on Domgasse was built in the 17th century, originally with two storeys, and redeveloped in 1716. Mozart lived in this house from 1784 until 1787. He composed some remarkable works in this house, including what is perhaps his most popular opera ‘The Marriage of Figaro’. In 1941, for the 150th anniversary of Mozart’s death, his former rooms were opened to the public as part of ‘Imperial German Mozart Week’, a National Socialist event. In 1945 the running of the exhibition was taken over by the Vienna Museum. In 2004 a total renovation of the building begun. The Mozarthaus was reopened on 27 January 2006, for the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth. The building became a centre dedicated to the composer’s life and work, incorporating the rooms occupied by Mozart himself.