Invitation to the press conference on the occasion of the reopening of the permanent exhibition "Molted! The Habitats of Birds"
01. September 2026
On Tuesday 29 September 2026
Location: Lecture hall of the NHM Vienna, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Entry: from 10 a.m., start: 10.30 a.m.
Location: Lecture hall of the NHM Vienna, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Entry: from 10 a.m., start: 10.30 a.m.
Bird Halls 29 and 30 at the Natural History Museum Vienna are shining in new splendor!
More than 1,000 bird specimens were cleaned, spruced up, and in some cases even re-prepared in the run-up to the opening – a remarkable achievement by the museum’s taxidermists. The floors of the exhibition halls were renovated, the electrical systems updated, and the historic ceiling paintings as well as the original showcases were professionally restored.
The halls are dedicated to bird diversity in Central European and global habitats, ranging from the park right outside our door to high mountain ranges and Antarctica. They highlight the unique features and characteristics of both well-known and rare bird species, including their diets and lifestyles, habitat requirements, and roles in a wide variety of ecosystems. The elaborate lighting design was precisely tailored to the exhibits and their habitats.
The new galleries combine aesthetic presentation with substantive depth. The goal is to present birds as a diverse group of animals worthy of protection, whose significance hopefully will leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Dr. Andreas Hantschk, Abteilung für Wissenschaftskommunikation, NHM Wien
Mag. Dr. Andrea Graser, Architektin und Lichtdesignerin, Studio Okular
With the request for registration under: presse@nhm.at
Inquiry note:
Mag. Irina Kubadinow
Head of Press & Public Relations, Press Spokesperson
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-410
irina.kubadinow@nhm.at
Mag. Klara Vakaj
Press officer
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-626
klara.vakaj@nhm.at
More than 1,000 bird specimens were cleaned, spruced up, and in some cases even re-prepared in the run-up to the opening – a remarkable achievement by the museum’s taxidermists. The floors of the exhibition halls were renovated, the electrical systems updated, and the historic ceiling paintings as well as the original showcases were professionally restored.
The halls are dedicated to bird diversity in Central European and global habitats, ranging from the park right outside our door to high mountain ranges and Antarctica. They highlight the unique features and characteristics of both well-known and rare bird species, including their diets and lifestyles, habitat requirements, and roles in a wide variety of ecosystems. The elaborate lighting design was precisely tailored to the exhibits and their habitats.
The new galleries combine aesthetic presentation with substantive depth. The goal is to present birds as a diverse group of animals worthy of protection, whose significance hopefully will leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Welcome & Introduction
Dr. Katrin Vohland, Generaldirektorin und wissenschaftliche Geschäftsführerin, NHM WienOn the scientific concept
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Swen Renner, Kurator Vogelsammlung, NHM WienOn the project process
Christof Viehauser, MSc., Sammlungsmanager Vogelsammlung, NHM WienDr. Andreas Hantschk, Abteilung für Wissenschaftskommunikation, NHM Wien
On the design
Mag. jur. Dipl. Des. Julia Landsiedl, Leitung Szenografie und Grafik, NHM WienMag. Dr. Andrea Graser, Architektin und Lichtdesignerin, Studio Okular
On the preparation
Robert Illek, Leitung Zoologische Präparation, NHM WienWith the request for registration under: presse@nhm.at
Inquiry note:
Mag. Irina Kubadinow
Head of Press & Public Relations, Press Spokesperson
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-410
irina.kubadinow@nhm.at
Mag. Klara Vakaj
Press officer
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-626
klara.vakaj@nhm.at
Exhibition poster (square)
© NHM Wien
Exhibition poster (landscape orientation)
© NHM Wien
