Palace-Ticket
The Palace-Ticket enables you to visit many exhibitions.
Wander through the magnificent rooms on the bel étage at Esterházy Palace and marvel at art-historical treasures from the collection, including the Esterházy family silver – the world’s largest ensemble of Neoclassical silverware to survive as a set. On your visit you can also discover fascinating glimpses into the history of the palace as a building.
A tour of the first floor tells the tale of a remarkable and strong personality: Melinda Esterházy, née Ottrubay. Get to know the princess, not only as a prima ballerina assoluta but also as a person whose life was full of highs and lows. Find out about her ambitious career and her turbulent personal life away from the stage.
On the palace’s ground floor, the story of Joseph Haydn as director of music and composer in the service of the Esterházy princes is vividly brought to life. Multimedia stations, project installations and unusual exhibits trace the work of this musical genius from his beginnings in Eisenstadt and Eszterház through to his late music, and highlight his brilliance as a composer.
During the 17th century, the primary floor of grand residences—referred to as the piano nobile or bel étage—emerged as a dedicated stage for the display of taste, authority, and refinement. The state rooms at Esterházy Palace were designed to fulfill this exact function. In keeping with the spirit of the times, they were repeatedly rearranged to offer ever-changing atmospheres. The exhibition ‘Ghosts of the Bel Étage’ seeks to make their narratives—partly exotic, partly eerie—accessible anew through a dialogue with contemporary artworks.
In the over 300-year-old palace cellars you can encounter the long history of the Esterházy’s “bacchanalian” side. With over 700 rare, unusual and sometimes long-forgotten objects relating to wine and viticulture – from historic barrels to Burgenland’s oldest Baumpresse (a type of basket press) – the Wine Museum compellingly presents the history of winemaking under the Esterházy princes.
Tour
This tour introduces you to personalities from the past and brings their moving and fascinating stories to life. You will also discover the mezzanine storey, where the personal servants of the princess once lived. Another of the many tour highlights is the 17th-century palace chapel. The organ in the chapel partly dates from the time of Joseph Haydn and was regularly played by him.
Guided tours - Times
Guided tours in English 2026
January – March (Saturday, Sunday & holidays)
1.00 pm
April & October (Wednesday - Sunday and public holidays)
1.00 pm
May – September (daily)
1.00 pm
November - December (Saturday, Sunday & holidays)
1.00 pm
Guided tours in German 2026
January – March
Monday – Friday: 11.00, 13.00 Winter Tours
Saturday, Sunday & holidays: 10.00, 12.00, 14.00
April & October
Monday – Tuesday: 11.00, 13.00 Winter Tours
Wednesday to Sunday & holidays: 10.00, 12.00, 14.00
Mai – September
Daily: 10.00, 12.00, 14.00, 16.00
November - December
Monday – Friday: 11.00, 13.00 Winter Tours
Saturday, Sunday & holidays: 10.00, 12.00, 14.00
Due to the ongoing events, there may be occasional restrictions on the tour. We will keep you informed of any changes.
