In-Depth Insights into the Life of Empress Elisabeth, Emperor Franz Joseph I., and Court Ceremonies.

On this tour, you will gain fascinating insights into life at the imperial court, including the strict ceremonies, customs, and routines. Experience how the everyday life of the imperial family was organized and discover the intriguing—and sometimes amusing—details that shaped courtly culture. 

Details of Your Private Guided Museum Tour: 

Your private guided tour begins at the Sisi Museum, dedicated to the legendary Empress Elisabeth, better known as Sisi. The museum offers exciting insights into the life of the famous empress and showcases a variety of personal items, including elegant dresses, fine fans, and impressive paintings. Set designer Rolf Langfass has captured the melancholic and mysterious atmosphere that marked the end of Elisabeth’s life through his stage design.

Next, I will guide you through the Imperial Apartments, which present the former private chambers and ceremonial rooms of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth. These rooms offer an authentic insight into life at the court and reflect the imperial interior style of the 19th century. In Emperor Franz Joseph’s study, you’ll find two famous private portraits of the Empress, created by Franz Xaver Winterhalter at the monarch's request, showing Elisabeth with her hair down.

The living quarters of Empress Elisabeth, including her gym and toilet room, provide a glimpse into her daily life and personal preferences. Here, she not only took care of her magnificent hair but also indulged in her passions for languages and sports.

Photos: (1) Sisi Museum, Empress Elisabeth Statue by Hermann Klotz © Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Severin Wurnig;
(2) Sisi Museum, Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth Painting by F. X. Winterhalter, 1895 © Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Severin Wurnig;
(3) Sisi Museum, Audience Chamber of Emperor Franz Joseph © Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Severin Wurnig

Recommendation: 

A tour of the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments pairs wonderfully with my 'Vienna Old Town Highlights' walking tour.