New Sound of Music Museum Opens in Salzburg, Austria: Tickets, Highlights & How to Visit
It features an Immersive 360° Gazebo Experience!
If you grew up singing along to Do-Re-Mi or have always dreamed of visiting the filming locations of The Sound of Music, here's another reason to add Salzburg, Austria, to your travel bucket list!
A brand-new museum dedicated to the beloved musical has officially opened at Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg, bringing the Hollywood classic to life through immersive exhibitions, original recordings and interactive experiences.
Opened on 20 September 2026, the Sound of Music Salzburg museum offers visitors a chance to revisit iconic movie moments while discovering the true story of the von Trapp family. And yes, there's even a 360-degree experience inspired by the famous gazebo scene!
A new home for The Sound of Music at Hellbrunn Palace
The museum is located within the historic grounds of Hellbrunn Palace, one of Salzburg's best-known landmarks. Built in the 17th century for Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus, the palace is famous for its picturesque gardens, historic architecture and connections to The Sound of Music.
Three historic buildings near the palace entrance, the Hunting Lodge, Coach House and Zookeeper's Lodge, have been carefully renovated to house the permanent exhibition. Rather than focusing solely on Hollywood memorabilia, the museum takes visitors through the musical's history, from the real von Trapp family and the original Broadway production to the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. It's a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and an interesting introduction for anyone discovering the story for the first time.
Step inside the famous gazebo with an immersive 360° experience
One of the museum's biggest highlights is its immersive recreation of the iconic gazebo associated with Sixteen Going on Seventeen. Located inside the former Coach House, the installation features a replica of the pavilion surrounded by 360-degree cinematic projections, recreating memorable scenes through atmospheric visuals and special effects.
Visitors can also participate in an interactive Do-Re-Mi sing-along, adding a fun, hands-on element to the experience. It's a chance to experience familiar movie moments in a completely different setting, without having to travel back to the 1960s!
Discover the real story behind the Hollywood classic
Beyond the interactive installations, the museum explores the fascinating history of the von Trapp family and how their experiences inspired one of the world's most beloved musicals. The exhibition features original recordings from the 1959 Broadway musical, audiovisual footage from the film's 1964 production and video memoirs of Maria von Trapp recounting her own life story.
Visitors can also browse historical photographs, film-related memorabilia and multimedia displays tracing the musical's international success. Through these exhibits, the museum reveals how the family's actual experiences differed from their Hollywood portrayal, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of the people behind the famous songs.
Top things to do near the Sound of Music Salzburg museum
Image credit: Angelika Köppl | Zoo Salzburg
Planning to visit the museum? Why not turn it into a half-day or full-day adventure? The attraction is located within the Hellbrunn area, where several other popular Salzburg sights are worth exploring.
1. Explore Hellbrunn Palace and its famous Trick Fountains
Since you're already visiting the museum, don't miss the opportunity to explore Hellbrunn Palace itself. Built between 1612 and 1615, this Renaissance pleasure palace is particularly famous for its Trick Fountains, a series of playful water features designed to surprise unsuspecting visitors.
Expect hidden jets of water, elaborate mechanical displays and beautifully designed grottoes that have entertained guests for more than 400 years. You can also explore the palace's historic rooms and permanent exhibitions, which offer a glimpse into the life of Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus. Just be prepared to get a little wet!
2. Stroll through Hellbrunn Park and visit the original gazebo
For a more relaxing experience, take a walk through Hellbrunn Park, located around the palace grounds. Spanning approximately 60 hectares, the park features landscaped gardens, peaceful ponds, open meadows and walking paths surrounded by greenery.
It's also where you'll find the original gazebo used in The Sound of Music, making it an essential photo stop for fans of the film. Unlike the immersive replica inside the museum, this is the actual pavilion associated with the Sixteen Going on Seventeen scene. The park is free to explore, making it an easy addition to your museum visit, especially if you're travelling with family or simply want to enjoy some fresh air.
3. Visit Salzburg Zoo for a family-friendly wildlife experience
Travelling with children? Consider stopping by Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, located close to the palace grounds. Set against the rocky slopes of Hellbrunn Mountain, the zoo is home to approximately 1,600 animals representing around 150 species from different parts of the world.
Visitors can encounter animals such as red pandas, lions, rhinoceroses, Alpine ibex and brown bears while exploring the zoo's spacious enclosures. Its combination of natural landscapes and wildlife makes it an enjoyable stop for families looking to balance cultural sightseeing with something a little different.
4. Ride the Untersberg Cable Car for panoramic mountain views
If you have more time, venture a little farther south to experience one of Salzburg's most spectacular natural attractions. The Untersberg Cable Car takes visitors up the Untersberg mountain in approximately eight and a half minutes, offering sweeping views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alpine landscape.
On clear days, you may even spot distant lakes and mountain ranges stretching towards neighbouring Bavaria. It's especially appealing for travellers who want to experience Austria's mountain scenery without committing to a lengthy hike.
The cable car's valley station is accessible via Bus 25, the same bus route serving Hellbrunn Palace, making it a convenient onward excursion. Do check the weather and cable car operating schedule beforehand, particularly during seasonal maintenance periods.
Explore more Sound of Music filming locations around Salzburg
Image credit: Dimitry Anikin | Canva Pro
Still haven't had enough of The Sound of Music? Salzburg has several other filming locations worth discovering beyond Hellbrunn. Start at Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the children performed parts of Do-Re-Mi around its famous fountain and garden steps.
Another memorable location is Leopoldskron Palace, whose lakeside setting was featured as part of the von Trapp family home. Although the palace and its grounds are not generally open to the public, visitors can admire the property from public viewpoints across the lake. You can also visit Nonnberg Abbey, which has connections to the real Maria von Trapp and features prominently in the musical's story. For a more convenient experience, guided Sound of Music tours are available around Salzburg, taking visitors to several iconic filming locations in one trip.
Planning your visit to the Sound of Music Salzburg museum
Thinking of adding the museum to your Austria itinerary? Here's what you need to know before going.
Location: Sound of Music Salzburg, Fürstenweg 33–35, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Opened: 20 September 2026
Admission: €8 for adults, €16 for families and €4.80 for eligible reduced admissions. Children aged five and below enter free.
Opening hours in October 2026: Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm
2026 season: Open until 1 November 2026
Getting there: Take Bus 25 from Salzburg city centre or Salzburg Central Station to the Salzburg Schloss Hellbrunn stop. The journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes.
Travellers with a Salzburg Card can also enjoy one-time complimentary admission to the museum.
Travel tip: If you're planning to visit Hellbrunn Palace's Trick Fountains or Salzburg Zoo on the same day, check their separate admission fees and opening hours. The Salzburg Card can be useful for travellers visiting multiple participating attractions.
Do note that the museum operates seasonally, despite having a permanent exhibition. Travellers planning a 2027 visit should check the latest opening dates before making arrangements.
Also read: Not Your Usual Eurotrip: Make Innsbruck, Austria Your Most Picture-Perfect Getaway Yet
More reasons to visit Austria in 2027
Image credit: SCStock | Canva Pro
Beyond the newly opened museum, Austria has even more cultural experiences lined up for 2027. The country will commemorate 200 years since the death of composer Ludwig van Beethoven, with musical performances and cultural celebrations highlighting his legacy.
In Vienna, travellers can explore landmarks connected to the composer, including the Beethoven Museum, Pasqualati House and the Secession Museum, home to Gustav Klimt's magnificent 34-metre-long Beethoven Frieze. Music lovers can also look forward to major events such as the Salzburg Festival and Bregenz Festival, while nature enthusiasts can explore the Beethoven Walking Trail through the Vienna Woods.
For those seeking a slower-paced holiday, Austria Tourism highlights wellness escapes including Aqua Dome in Tyrol, Felsentherme Bad Gastein in Salzburg and Rogner Therme Bad Blumau in Styria. Meanwhile, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is rolling out new Stadler KISS double-decker trains capable of travelling at up to 200km/h, with upper-deck views along routes connecting Vienna and Salzburg.
Together, these experiences reflect Austria's concept of Lebensgefühl, or an attitude towards life that embraces culture, nature and mindful enjoyment.
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Information is based on a press release provided by Austria Tourism.
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