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Archive of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde

One of the most important music collections in the world

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Identity Lab / Philip Reitsperger

Music Lovers

Concert Archive

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Fotos aus dem Archiv der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde.

History of the archive

The archive was co-founded with the establishment of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in 1812. It contains over two million objects.

Frequently asked questions about the archive

To the FAQs

Dieses Bild zeigt ein Foto von Johannes Brahms

The Brahms Collection

No other well-known composer's estate has survived as complete as Johannes Brahms's did until the middle of the 20th century.

Sheet music archive

The sheet music collection comprises around 200,000 works from the early modern period. It ranges from extensive opera scores — especially from the 18th century — to short album sheets comprising just a few bars.

Dieses Foto zeigt eine Kunstvoll geschnitzte Viole

Musical instruments

The collection of musical instruments comprises over 800 inventory numbers, although it should be noted that instrument parts or violin bows, for example, are often also regarded as individual "musical instruments".

Dieses Bild zeigt einen Brief von Beethoven

Collection of letters

The collection comprises around 10,000 letters and various non-musical autographs. Highlights include the well-known letters of great composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Joseph Haydn.

Dieses Bild zeigt eine alte Fotografie von Joahnnes Brahms und Alice Barbi

Picture and graphics collection

The picture and graphics collection of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Wien consist of more than 50.000 graphics, paintings, photos, busts and medals.

Dieses Bild zeigt eine Illustration eines nackten Mannes mit einer Trompete von Arhur Paunzen

Beethoven’s Eroica

The most famous hole in music history can be found in Beethoven's Third Symphony score in E flat major op. 55, the Eroica. This score is one of the most prominent objects in the archives of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde. Yet it is not even an autograph.

Mozart's Symphony No. 40

The 40th Symphony in G minor, K. 550, is arguably Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's most popular work. The composer's original score is now housed in the archives of the Society of Friends of Music, and it has a very special history.

To the collections

Discover the collections of the Wiener Musikverein. From music archives and musical instruments to a collection of letters, every music lover will find something to their liking.

Dieses Photo zeigt eine historische Fotografie Joachim-Joseph und Johannes Brahms

The premises of the archive

Research in peace.

Reserve a seat

Dieses Bild zeigt ein Bücherregal im Archiv des Wienermusivkereins - fotografiert von Philip Reitspreger Identity Lab

Use of the archive

Welcome to the archive: Find out how you can access valuable resources and expand your knowledge.

Fotografie des Archivs der Wiener Musikfreunde - fotografiert von Philip Reitsperger

Scientific Inquiries

Optimize your scientific knowledge – Explore archive resources for academic applications.

Dieses Bild zeigt ein Gemälde im Archiv des Musikvereins

Opening Hours

Plan your visit: Find out more about our current opening hours and availability.

Identity Lab

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