Maria Theresa Square

Welcome to Maria Theresa Square, surrounded by two twin palaces – one housing the Natural History Museum, and the other the Fine Arts Museum. Maria Theresa was the Archduchess of Austria, and the only woman to rule the Habsburg Empire. Her father, Charles VI, died without a male heir, but before his death, he changed the laws to let his oldest child inherit the throne – regardless of gender. When she became the Archduchess, she had to fight hard to be taken seriously. She had 16 children, including the one and only Marie-Antoinette. Maria Theresa was the imperial family’s most beloved member, so it comes as no surprise that this square is dedicated to her. She is depicted on her throne, surrounded by her generals, advisors, and French-style gardens, featuring fountains and sculptures. This square is truly the heart of Vienna’s cultural scene, with close proximity to various museums, including the two on either side of you. If you cross Museumplatz, you’ll reach Vienna’s museum district – a 60,000 square meter space dedicated to culture, housed in former stables. There are museums, cafés, and shops all around, showcasing a blend of Baroque and contemporary architecture. Even if you don’t go inside any museums, it’s still worth checking out!