Culture and more for night owls

The “ORF Long Night of Museums” will take place once again on Saturday, October 4, 2014. Already for the 15th time, the ORF (Austrian national broadcaster) is initiating this cultural event in which museums and galleries throughout Austria are opening their gates this year from 6:00 PM until 1:00 AM to anyone interested in culture. This is also the seventh year that this is a (pleasant) mandatory date for my daughter and me, one that needs to be well-planned if you want to see as much as possible.

A night full of cultural experiences

ORF_LNDM_MQWien, Copyright Hans Leitner

Since its premiere in the year 2000, over 4.6 million visitors have taken advantage of the enormous variety on the “Long Night of Museums” program. This year, too, on Saturday, October 4, 2014 between 6:00 PM and 1:00 AM, you can visit as many museums as you wish – and can manage – with a single ticket. This year, Vienna has 122 cultural locations on its program – and visitors are thereby spoiled for choice. From the largest museums such as the Museum of Art History or the Museum of Natural History or the Museumsquartier, to all sorts of galleries, all the way to small, fine insiders’ tips – there’s something for every taste. In addition to diverse exhibits, there will be many exciting events and special presentations on offer.

This year, the tickets (regular price EUR 13.00 per person) are also valid for the shuttle buses, which commute between participating institutions. Reduced-price tickets (for EUR 11.00) are available for students, military recruits, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Children up to 12 years of age are admitted for free.

For children, there is also lots to experience this year. Open ateliers, children’s tours, puzzle tours, shows, courses, artistic things and lots more can be actively used and taken advantage of. Children who attend at least three children’s programs should get a stamp in their booklet – and at the “Treffpunkt Museum” (Museum Meeting Point) in the children’s tent at Vienna’s Heldenplatz until midnight there is a small gift for children who have collected three stamps.

Tickets and booklets are available for advance booking at all participating museums or at http://langenacht.orf.at/tickets/, as well as at TREFFPUNKT Museum at Vienna’s Heldenplatz on the day of the event.

My tip: Plan the route and the museums in advance (at least roughly), try to get a good night’s rest, put on good shoes and then set off to the Long Night of Museums 2014! Have fun!

If you wish to stay in Vienna for the whole weekend during the Long Night of Museums and are looking for a room, you can lodge at the centrally located Schick Hotels Vienna and discover the Austrian capital with its museums and sightseeings on foot and via public transportation. The Schick Restaurants spoil you with traditional Viennese cuisine (and a touch of Spain, if you wish).

Image source:  © ORF / Lange Nacht der Museen, Matthias Kobold and Hans Leitner