Third Man Museum

About

The Third Man Museum, located on Pressgasse 25 in Vienna’s 1st district, is a dedicated homage to the classic post‑war film *The Third Man* and the history of Vienna during that era. Housed in a former cinema, the museum showcases more than 3,000 original artefacts—from theatrical posters and actor photographs to the iconic piano from the film’s soundtrack. Visitors can explore 16 themed rooms, each presenting a different aspect of the film’s production or the city’s cultural revival. The centerpiece, however, is the display of Anton Karas’s original zither and the famous Krasuß‑Lime theme music, which was recorded in the very studio used for the movie. The museum’s collection extends beyond cinema, with a special Cold‑War Vienna Exhibition that provides primary documents, photographs and interactive maps detailing the Allied occupation of the city. A dedicated section of the museum is devoted to the film’s behind‑the‑scenes history, featuring complete scripts, production stills and rare press kits. All exhibits are maintained by two passionate founders, Gerhard Strassgschwandtner and Karin Höfler, who have curated the collection with meticulous care. Admission is free to local audiences and offers a range of tickets for visitors, including adult, concessions and children. Private tours, called VIP Tours, can be booked round‑the‑clock and cost €170 for up to ten guests, with additional guests priced at €17 each. Audio guides are freely downloadable in English and German, ensuring that even first‑time visitors can appreciate the finer details of the exhibition. The museum welcomes visitors every Saturday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with special opening dates during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Highlights

• Original Harry Lime Theme
• Anton Karas Zither
• Pristine Film Scripts
• Cold War Vienna Exhibition

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes

Tickets & pricing