Schottenstift - The Hidden Treasures of the Schottenstift Museum in Vienna

Mika Vepsalainen
13 minutes ago
2 min read

Join us to see a true historical gem: the Schottenstift Museum, part of the Benedictine Abbey of Our Lady of the Scots. Don’t be fooled by the name. While “Schotten” refers to Scots, the original monks were actually Irish! Invited by Duke Heinrich II, these Benedictines founded the abbey in 1155, and thanks to its uninterrupted existence, the monastery boasts some of the most fascinating and well-preserved collections in the city.

As a centre of faith and culture for centuries, the abbey has naturally accumulated a rich array of art, artifacts, and curiosities and the museum offers visitors a chance to experience these treasures up close. Set in the former abbot’s quarters, yo u will see everything from ecclesiastical gold and silverware to baroque furniture, rare manuscripts, and even a few quirky surprises (don’t miss the stuffed squirrels!).

The undeniable star of the collection is the Schottenaltar, a set of exquisitely painted altar panels dating back to around 1470. These masterpieces were created by an anonymous artist, now affectionately known as the Schottenmeister who is believed to have come from Nuremberg. The panels illustrate the Life of Mary and the Passion of Christ, but what makes them especially captivating are the background details: they contain the earliest known depictions of Vienna, offering a rare and beautiful glimpse into the city as it looked in the 15th century.

You will also appreciate a panel by the great Peter Paul Rubens, alongside elegant Netherlandish landscapes and a breathtaking painting by Franz Anton Maulbertsch, one of Austria’s leading Baroque artists. Complementing the paintings are Antwerp tapestries, ornate vestments, liturgical items, and fine furniture from the Baroque and Biedermeier eras.

Today, the abbey is still active, with 13 monks belonging to the Austrian Benedictine Congregation. Right next to the museum, you’ll find the Schottenkirche, the monastery’s beautiful church, well worth a visit after your museum tour.

The museum shop is worth checking. It is fully accessible and offers a delightful selection of products from the monastery’s own lands including jams, wines, and more.

Unfortunately, the museum itself is located on the first floor and unfortunately does not have an elevator.

There’s no café inside, but you’ll find plenty of charming spots to relax and enjoy a bite around Freyung, just a few steps away.