Salzburg Museums: 859,000 Visitors & New Openings in 2025

Despite the ongoing closure of its main building due to construction, the Salzburg Museum achieved a remarkable 859,000 visitors in 2025 – an increase of 5,000 compared to 2024. Museum Director Martin Hochleitner highlighted the success of “guest performances,” or exhibitions hosted at other cultural institutions, which drew approximately 70,000 attendees in 2025.

New Cultural Hubs on the Horizon

The museum is preparing for two significant openings in the coming months. In June, the Orangerie Salzburg in the Mirabell Garden will open in time for the “30 Years UNESCO World Heritage Salzburg” anniversary. This new location will focus on Salzburg’s status as a cultural World Heritage site and will feature the renowned panoramic painting by Johann Michael Sattler, created between 1826 and 1829.

Chef Curator Peter Husty announced that the historical depiction will be complemented by a digital exploration of the city as it exists today. The inaugural exhibition at the Orangerie will be the first part of a trilogy titled “Who Cares for the City?”, examining the preservation, maintenance, and development of Salzburg’s historic old town, according to Hochleitner.

Sound of Music and Furniture Masterpieces

A second opening is planned for September at Hellbrunn: the new Sound of Music Salzburg location. This site will explore both the historical story of the Trapp family and the enduring legacy of the film “The Sound of Music.” Construction began last fall, with interior work scheduled to begin in the spring.

The Salzburg Museum’s series of guest exhibitions will conclude with a presentation at the Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang. Starting in May, masterpieces of furniture craftsmanship from 1450 to 1500 will be temporarily displayed in the Pinzgau region.

Did You Know? The panoramic painting by Johann Michael Sattler, a centerpiece of the new Orangerie Salzburg, was created between 1826 and 1829.

Major Expansion Project Underway

The large-scale project in the Neue Residenz, which includes both an expansion of the Salzburg Museum and a location for the Belvedere, is progressing well. The structure is expected to be completed by summer, and both the Salzburg Museum and Belvedere Salzburg are slated to open in the second half of 2027, Hochleitner stated.

Expert Insight: The Salzburg Museum’s strategy of utilizing external locations during its main building’s renovation demonstrates a commitment to maintaining public engagement and accessibility to cultural heritage, even amidst significant infrastructural changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the new Orangerie Salzburg?

The Orangerie Salzburg will focus on Salzburg’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site and will feature the panoramic painting by Johann Michael Sattler.

When is the new Sound of Music Salzburg location expected to open?

The new Sound of Music Salzburg location is expected to open in September.

What is the timeline for the completion of the Neue Residenz project?

The structure of the Neue Residenz project is expected to be completed by summer, with the Salzburg Museum and Belvedere Salzburg opening in the second half of 2027.

As the Salzburg Museum continues to expand its reach through new locations and exhibitions, how might these developments impact the cultural landscape of the region?