Vienna Crime Museum: Delving into the Dark Side

Venture into the shadowy depths of Vienna's past at the Crime Museum (Wiener Kriminalmuseum), a unique institution dedicated to exploring the city's dark history of crime and law enforcement. Located in the heart of Leopoldstadt, the museum resides within the Seifensiederhaus, a building dating back to 1685, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the captivating exhibits. Originally established as the Imperial and Royal Police Museum in 1899, the museum showcases a comprehensive collection of artifacts, documents, and crime scene photographs that chronicle the evolution of crime and law enforcement in Vienna. From medieval torture devices to notorious criminals of the 20th century, the museum offers a chilling glimpse into the darker side of Viennese society. Exhibits are arranged chronologically, guiding visitors through different eras of Viennese crime history, from the Middle Ages to the modern day. One of the most striking aspects of the museum is its collection of medieval torture devices. These gruesome instruments serve as a stark reminder of the brutal methods used to extract confessions and punish criminals in centuries past. Moving forward, the museum explores the evolution of law enforcement in Vienna, including early police uniforms, weapons, and forensic tools. Visitors can also delve into some of Vienna's most infamous criminal cases and political crimes, such as the assassination of War Minister Latour and the OPEC siege in 1975. The museum also presents reports of murders from the Middle Ages to the present day. The spectrum ranges from criminal cases like murder by poisoning and jealousy murders to Austria's best-known serial killer Jack Unterweger. After exploring the museum's unsettling exhibits, visitors can find respite in the Old Viennese-style café located in the building's courtyard.