Love & Power –
Behind the Scenes of the Congress of Vienna 1814/15
April 29th – November 1st 2026, Tue to Sun/public holidays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(subject to change)
After Napoleon’s defeat, the crowned heads of Europe gathered in Vienna in the autumn of 1814 at the invitation of Emperor Francis II/I to attend the “Congress of Vienna” and divide Europe among themselves anew.
In addition to Austria’s State Chancellor Clemens Prince Metternich and Tsar Alexander of Russia, numerous women—for the first time—also played decisive roles: from Duchess Wilhelmine of Sagan and the Habsburg archduchess and Empress of the French Marie Louise to salonnières such as Fanny von Arnstein.
Above all, Wilhelmine of Sagan, as ruling duchess, lover, and closest confidante of Metternich—with excellent connections to the Tsar—was one of the most influential figures of the Congress. Marie Louise, meanwhile, as Napoleon’s wife, caused gossip and diplomatic complications through her affair with her chevalier d’honneur, Count Adam Neipperg. At the same time, however, she used the Congress as an opportunity to transform herself from her father Emperor Francis’s political pawn into a confident, independent woman.
Experience the Congress of Vienna from an entirely new perspective in this exhibition—one that tells of defining personalities, glamour, glittering festivities, but also spies and intrigues. The focus lies on the often “overlooked” yet crucial influence of women from all social classes—from empresses and noble salonnières to maids and courtesans.
Alongside numerous historical exhibits, the exhibition will, for the first time and exclusively, showcase the costumes designed by the renowned designer Susanne Bisovsky for the Disney+ original series Vienna Game, scheduled for release in 2026.
Combined with historical furniture, interiors, and period fashion, the exhibition offers a fresh, vivid, and immersive insight into the era of the Congress of Vienna—an event that continues to shape Europe to this day.
Entry:
| Regular Entry | € 15,00 |
| Reduced (Pensioners, College Students) | € 12,00 |
| Students (from age 15) | € 9,00 |
| Groups (from 15 Persons) | € 12,00 |
| Family Card | € 26,00 |
| Guided tour by appointment | € 3,50 |
Reductions:
FREE admission to the exhibition with BURGENLAND CARD
FREE admission to the exhibition with NIEDERÖSTERREICH CARD
10% Reduction for Ö1-Clubmembers
Requests for guided tours:
Your message has been sent
Duration: approx. 60 minutes
Meeting Point: Foyer in the entrance area of the castle
Price: € 3,50 p.P. from 15 persons, smaller groups charge a flat rate of € 55,00
Method of Payment: Guide fees are payable only in cash and on the spot.
Cancelation and Appointment Changes:
Booked tours can be canceled free of charge up to 3 working days before the appointment. If the cancellation is not timely, 75% of the guide costs will be charged. On the day of the booked tour, a postponement is no longer possible. In case of delay, please call us (+43 676 844 238 218).
Sponsors & Cooperations:
