The “Wagenburg” building at Schönbrunn is home to the core of the former vehicle fleet of the Viennese Court. Following the demise of the monarchy in 1918, there remained around 100 carriages, sleds, sedan chairs and litters along with their associated harnesses, saddles and caparisons. Since that time, the collection has been expanded to total 170 vehicles.

The highlights of the Carriage Collection include the gilded “Imperial Carriage,” the Golden Carousel Carriage of Maria Theresia, the Child’s Phaeton of Napoleon’s son, the Black Hearse of the Viennese court, the personal Landaulet of Empress Elisabeth and the only preserved Court Automobile of 1914.

The Department of Court Uniforms arose from the official Livree-Garderobe (Livery Wardrobe), which just like the fleet was administrated by the imperial Oberststallmeisteramt (Office of the Master of Horses). Here, as well, the original collection has been significantly enlarged. The Department of Court Uniforms, therefore, is among one of the world’s most important present-day collections of court clothing from the period between 1800 and 1918. Last but not least, the famous Dresses of Empress Elisabeth are kept here. A selection of items from these holdings is displayed at the Wagenburg at Schönbrunn Palace, as well as at special exhibitions.

Director: Dir. Dr. Monica Kurzel-Runtscheiner