148

EUROPEAN MILITARY

MUSEUMS

in several ways. First, the

impressive and as attractive as possible.

They have pursued this objective

museum has been made as

is most desirable in view of the competition

This

offered by many
other excellent museums in Vienna. Its patriotic theme, the
presence of the relics of Austrian national and military heroes, and

the beauty of the exhibit building combine to make the museum

public attraction. Special lectures are offered every Sunday

in one of the museum halls and public attendance is cordially in
vited. An expanded lecture program is now contemplated with the
completion of the auditorium. Motion pictures will also be shown.
Members of the curatorial staff give lectures to special groups
upon invitation. When they can be scheduled, guided tours are
provided for which there is usually a small charge. A number of
these tours are conducted for school groups and units of the
Austrian Army. Finally, provision is also made for the visitor's
a prime

comfort. A number of the halls have seats where the viewer may
rest, and there is a sizable refreshment room on the ground floor.
Members of the staff are willing to offer their services as

consultants to amateur military collectors. Some of the technicians

will restore objects upon request, but a fee is charged for this type
of assistance. Identification of specimens and providing pertinent
information are the routine services which the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum furnishes in common with most military museums.
It also adheres to the common practice of not lending any portion
of its collections to the general public. However, this courtesy is
extended to other museums in Vienna and elsewhere throughout
the country, as well as to other institutions which require military
objects for display purposes during special events. There are
several other military museums in Austria, but most are private

institutions and the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum normally does

not work closely with them, nor assuredly does it exercise any
control over their activities.
The excellent reputation of the Viennese Army History
Museum is now firmly established throughout Europe. In part
that reputation rests upon the architectural splendor of a new
building.

Because

it is ornate, the museum appears somewhat

opulent, a characteristic denied to many other continental muse

ums which have not been accorded such a degree of governmental
beneficence. Although it must share many of the Hapsburg