First Austrian football museum opens in Vienna

Austria’s first football museum has now opened in Vienna, much to the joy of all lovers of the beautiful game. Following the example of major international clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United, FK Austria Vienna has used the reconstruction of its home ground, Franz Horr Stadium, to set up its own club museum.

Austria’s only football museum, though somewhat hard to reach by public transport, is worth a visit no only for die-hard fans of Austria Vienna. The magnificent display of violet velvet, gleaming trophies and glittering medals is an impressive sight for any football fan.

Shining dreams in violet

Vienna’s mayor Michael Häupl, an ardent supporter of the club himself, is enthusiastic: ‘I am very happy for Vienna to get a football museum – all the more so since it is devoted to the history of Austria Vienna.” The club’s history can be traced from the early days after its foundation in March 1911 to the “fat” years in the early 1990s to the era of Frank Stronach, whose Magna corporation was the main sponsor of FK Austria Vienna (aka 'the violets') for several years, up until mid-2008. Many historic club memorabilia as well as photos and posters illustrate the club’s almost 100-year history.

Austria Vienna: a success story

Most of the items on display are loans from the private collections of former players and faithful fans. The chief historian of the club and museum curator, Erich Krenslehner, has also given almost a hundred items to the museum. He is quick to point out that Austria Vienna is in fact the oldest football club in the country because “in reality Austria Vienna has existed since 1894 – that’s when the 1st Vienna Cricket and Football Club was founded, from which Austria Vienna later emerged.” In addition to the many objects on display a 20-minute documentary at the museum cinema also illustrates the glorious history of the club.

Austrian football heroes

Many display boards and cabinets are also dedicated to Austrian football greats like Herbert “Schneckerl” Prohaska, Toni Polster and Walter Schachner who started their successful international careers at the club. Prohaska’s legendary goal against Turkey in 1977, which clinched qualification for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, can be admired at the museum – just like the original boot of Christian Prosenik that he wore when he scored the winning goal that secured the Austrian championship for the club in 1991. Hopefully representatives of other Austrian football clubs will also find their way to the museum at Franz Horr Stadium and feel inspired to set up their own club museums.