The Flugmuseum Aviaticum is an aviation museum located in Wiener Neustadt, about 50 km south of Vienna. This unique museum is dedicated to preserving Austria’s rich aviation heritage and showcases a diverse collection of aircraft, engines, and aviation-related memorabilia.
Location: The Flugmuseum Aviaticum is situated near the Wiener Neustadt East Airport (Flugplatz Wiener Neustadt Ost), making it easily accessible for aviation enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Established: The museum was founded in 1999 by the Wiener Neustädter Flugzeugwerke (WNF), in collaboration with aviation enthusiasts and the local community.
Focus: The Flugmuseum Aviaticum emphasizes the history of Austrian aviation, particularly in Wiener Neustadt, which has been a significant hub for aircraft manufacturing and pilot training since the early 20th century.
Exhibition Highlights
Historical Aircraft Collection:
The Flugmuseum Aviaticum features an impressive lineup of historic airplanes, including gliders, small propeller aircraft, and jet trainers.
10 early gliders and motorised aircraft, such as Etrich-Taube (Anton Ott, Mag. Linner) still with wire-stayed wings, Olympia-Meise and Rhönlerche, a helicopter with a 7 m rotor. Parachutes, including one from China from the time of the Cultural Revolution, and a gas balloon made of rubberised linen with a volume of 900 m³. In 2000 the museum received a collection of books on aviation technology and aviation history.
Among other things, a Messerschmitt Bf 109, a Meteor FL 54, a Pischof Autoplan built by Anton Ott and a Lohner-Etrich Taube Serie-F built by Prof. Heinz Linner and Anton (Toni) Ott can been seen.
Aviation Engines & Technology:
The Flugmuseum Aviaticum offers a closer look at the development of aircraft engines, showcasing various models used throughout history.
Exhibits highlight advancements in engine technology, aerodynamics, and the evolution of aircraft design.
Interactive Exhibits:
The museum provides hands-on experiences for visitors to explore how aviation technology works.
Younger visitors can try out flight simulators to get a feel for piloting different types of aircraft.
Aviation Memorabilia & Artifacts:
The Flugmuseum Aviaticum features a wide array of aviation memorabilia, including vintage flight suits, navigation equipment, model aircraft, and historic photographs documenting the evolution of aviation in Austria.
There are also exhibits on the pioneering Austrian aviators, such as Igo Etrich and Franz Wels, who were instrumental in the early days of flight.
Special Features
The Flugmuseum Aviaticum is staffed by passionate volunteers, many of whom are retired pilots, engineers, or aviation enthusiasts, making the visit educational and enriching.
The Wiener Neustadt East Airport, located next to the museum, adds an exciting dimension to the visit, with visitors often able to watch planes take off and land.
Why Visit?
The Flugmuseum Aviaticum is a hidden gem for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families. It offers a deep dive into Austria’s aviation history in a friendly and approachable way, with plenty of opportunities to engage directly with the exhibits. Whether you’re interested in the technical aspects of flight or the stories of daring pilots, the Aviaticum provides an inspiring glimpse into the skies of the past.