Vienna’s Natural History Museum risks losing its €100M renovation over funding delays

A century-old landmark hangs in the balance. Without urgent funding, Vienna’s iconic museum could remain trapped in a temporary, inaccessible limbo for years.

, and Administrator

2025 December 29 . 12:16 PM

1 min read

In this picture I can see there are few building and there are poles and trees and there are few... — In this picture I can see there are few building and there are poles and trees and there are few vehicles parked here and there is a road.

Vienna’s Natural History Museum risks losing its €100M renovation over funding delays

The Natural History Museum (NHM) in Vienna faces an uncertain future for its planned renovation. Without a funding commitment from the federal ministry by the end of the year, the project could be scrapped entirely. Design work has already been paused due to the ongoing financial uncertainty.

The NHM was originally promised €100 million to modernise its entrance area, which currently relies on a temporary ticketing system. Accessibility remains a major issue, with strollers and wheelchairs struggling to navigate the outdated space. However, budget cuts have pushed the funding decision to the next cycle, delaying any potential work until 2027 at the earliest.

The delay risks turning Maria-Theresien-Platz into a long-term construction site, with trailers likely staying in place and accessibility problems persisting. Unlike the NHM, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) and Belvedere are still set to begin their own renovations in 2027, even though their funding has not yet been secured.

As of December 2025, no official decision from the Bundesministerium für Kunst und Kultur on the NHM’s renovation financing has been announced. Without confirmation soon, the museum’s plans may collapse entirely.

The NHM’s renovation now hinges on a ministry funding pledge before the year ends. If approved, work could start in 2027, but further delays would leave the entrance area in its current inadequate state. The outcome will determine whether Maria-Theresien-Platz remains a construction zone or finally sees improvements.