Mozart Family Exhibits

Overview

The Mozart Residence, known locally as the Mozart Wohnhaus, stands as a profound testament to the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his family in Salzburg, Austria. More than just a house, it is a meticulously preserved museum that once served as the family's spacious home from 1773 to 1787. Unlike Mozart's Birthplace, which showcases his earliest years, the Residence offers a deeper dive into the family's domestic life and Wolfgang's significant compositional period during his Salzburg years.

Located prominently at Makartplatz 8, this building invites visitors to explore an extensive collection of original instruments, historical documents, and portraits, providing a rich, multi-faceted insight into the Mozarts' world. A multi-vision show and rotating exhibitions further enrich the experience, ensuring a dynamic and engaging visit. The International Mozarteum Foundation proudly manages this cultural landmark, which was painstakingly reconstructed and reopened in 1996 after being largely destroyed during World War II.

History & Cultural Background

The building's history predates the Mozarts' arrival, having been first mentioned in documents around 1617. From 1713, it was famously known as the 'Tanzmeisterhaus' or 'Dance Master's House', where Lorenz Spöckner instructed the nobility in courtly dance, preparing them for high society. The Mozart family, seeking more ample accommodation for their growing social circle, moved into an eight-room apartment on the first floor in 1773, after their third trip to Vienna.

This move marked a significant period in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life, as he resided here until his departure for Vienna in 1781. His father, Leopold Mozart, continued to live in the apartment until his death in 1787. Tragically, the Residence suffered extensive damage during an air raid on October 16, 1944, with two-thirds of the building being destroyed. However, through the dedicated efforts of the International Mozart Foundation, the house was meticulously reconstructed true to its original plans and triumphantly reopened as a museum on January 26, 1996, preserving this vital piece of cultural heritage.

What Makes It Special

The Mozart Family Exhibits within the Mozart Residence are particularly special for their intimate focus on the collective life of the Mozart clan. The exhibition 'The Mozarts - A Family of Musicians' meticulously showcases the lives of Leopold, Anna Maria, and Wolfgang's sister, Nannerl, providing contemporary insights into their individual contributions and familial bonds.

Visitors are privileged to see Wolfgang's original fortepiano, an instrument through which his genius flowed, and the famous family portrait, 'The Mozart Family', prominently displayed in the Tanzmeistersaal. Beyond musical instruments, the museum houses a wealth of original documents, handwritten letters, and authentic portraits, painting a vivid picture of 18th-century life and the cultural environment that shaped Mozart's artistry. One of the most intriguing elements is the 'Magic Flute House' situated in the courtyard, a small wooden structure where legend claims Mozart composed parts of his celebrated opera.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The move to the Residence in 1773 wasn't just a change of address; it signified the Mozart family's rising social standing and need for a larger space to host their many guests and musical events. Leopold Mozart, a remarkable pedagogue, played a pivotal role in nurturing both Wolfgang's and Nannerl's prodigious talents, notably through the 'Nannerl-Notenbuch', a piano tutor they both used. Nannerl herself was an exceptionally gifted pianist and performer, often accompanying her brother.

The family's life was also marked by extensive European tours; Wolfgang, in particular, spent roughly ten years of his relatively short life on the road, traveling to various courts and cities. These journeys, often by horse-drawn carriage, were arduous but broadened his artistic horizons. A glimpse into their personal lives reveals Wolfgang's playful side, as he occasionally made lighthearted fun of their landlady, Mitzerl, in his letters. He also held affection for animals, owning a dog named Pimperl and later a starling, to which he penned a poem upon its passing. The Residence itself buzzed with creativity, serving as the setting where Wolfgang composed numerous symphonies, concertos, and other seminal works.

Visitor Perspective

A visit to the Mozart Residence typically takes about one to one-and-a-half hours, allowing ample time to absorb the historical and cultural richness of the exhibits. The museum strives for inclusivity, offering wheelchair accessibility via the Theatergasse entrance, with staff readily available to assist. Families with young, curious travelers will appreciate the thoughtful additions, such as a child-friendly audio guide and even a kaleidoscope that encourages children to view the museum rooms from a fresh, imaginative perspective.

For those eager to delve even deeper, special tours of the Autograph Vault are available, providing a rare opportunity to see original manuscripts and letters from the Mozart family. Additionally, the Mozart sound and film collection offers an immersive auditory and visual experience, with thousands of recordings and films related to Mozart's life and compositions. Visitors can often purchase combined tickets that grant access to both the Mozart Residence and Mozart's Birthplace, offering a comprehensive journey through the composer's life. The Salzburg Card is also a popular option, providing free entry to the Residence and many other city attractions, making it a convenient and economical choice for exploring Salzburg's musical legacy.