The Narrenturm, also known as the Fool’s Tower, is an 18th-century historic building in Vienna that now houses the pathological-anatomical collection of the Natural History Museum Vienna. The round, five-storey tower was built to care for people with mental illnesses and is an important monument to the history of medicine.
History of the tower
The building was erected in 1784 on the orders of Emperor Joseph II. It was designed by architect Josef Gerl specifically to accommodate and treat patients with mental illnesses. It is considered one of the earliest institutions of its kind in Europe.
The building had an unusual circular design for a hospital. Its five floors contained individual cells connected by a central corridor, with 28 cells on each floor. Over time, however, the layout proved less suitable for the everyday operation of a medical institution.
The building was altered in 1857, and the institution ceased operating as a psychiatric hospital in 1866. Later, the rooms were used for storage and to accommodate hospital staff.
The pathological-anatomical museum
In 1971, the Federal Pathological-Anatomical Museum moved into the tower. In 2012, the collection became part of the Natural History Museum Vienna. Following extensive renovation and a redesigned exhibition, the museum reopened to visitors in 2020.
Today, the collection contains around 50,000 objects, including anatomical specimens and historic medical instruments. It supports the study of disease, medical education and scientific research. Part of the collection is open to the public.
What to see inside
The exhibition includes human organ specimens, samples illustrating various diseases, medical instruments and material on the history of pathology. Nineteen exhibition rooms introduce visitors to the development of medical knowledge and methods of investigating disease.
The displays address challenging subjects involving the human body, illness and the history of medicine, so a visit may be emotionally demanding. The museum recommends the exhibition for visitors aged 14 and over. Photography and filming are not permitted in the exhibition and study rooms.
How to get there
The Narrenturm is located at Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Vienna, on the grounds of the Old Vienna General Hospital, now a university campus. The area can be reached by public transport, followed by a short walk to the museum entrance.
According to the official website, the collection is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before visiting, check the Natural History Museum Vienna website for current opening hours, ticket prices and visitor information.
Gallery
