Sound of Music Museum Hellbrunn

The Hills Are Alive… Like Never Before!

Sound of Music Salzburg is a new multimedia museum in Hellbrunn that brings the world-famous film The Sound of Music together with the authentic history of the von Trapp Family. Located next to the iconic film gazebo, the museum offers immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and original insights into the making of the beloved film, its lasting cultural impact, and Salzburg's role as the story's authentic setting.

Are you a fan of The Sound of Music? At Sound of Music Salzburg, you can immerse yourself in the story behind one of the world’s most beloved musicals and discover the real history of the von Trapp family. For the first time, the movie, the musical and the family’s fascinating story come together in one dedicated museum. Located at Hellbrunn Palace, the experience takes you from the iconic scenes filmed in Salzburg to the real people and events that inspired them.

Discover the story at Hellbrunn Palace

Your visit takes you to the historic Hellbrunn Palace, built between 1613 and 1615 as a pleasure palace for Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus. With its magnificent architecture and famous water features, Hellbrunn itself is a remarkable work of art. The palace’s historic gate buildings – the Hunting Lodge, Coach House and Zookeeper’s Lodge – now provide the setting for the museum and its collection of 477 original and historical objects.

And then there is the gazebo. While the original, historic gazebo remains a beloved landmark nearby in Hellbrunn parque, the museum features a world-first highlight: a true-to-scale replica that visitors can actually step inside.

Part of the Sound of Music Museum the Gazebo A dark room with tall arched windows shows a nighttime garden scene with a stone bench and trees outside.

Gazebo The Sound of Musicu (c) Salzburg Musseennd of Music Salzburg

You may recognise it immediately from the film. This is where Captain von Trapp declares his love for Maria and where Liesl and Rolf sing the famous song Sixteen Going on Seventeen. Originally located at Leopoldskron Pond, the gazebo was moved to Hellbrunn in 1991 to protect it from the growing crowds of visitors. Today, you can see the original gazebo as part of your museum visit – adding a unique sense of authenticity to the experience.

From the movie to the real von Trapp family

At Sound of Music Salzburg, you can follow the story from the origins of the musical to its transformation into a worldwide film phenomenon.

In the Coach House, you can discover how The Sound of Music became a global success – from Maria von Trapp’s autobiography and the earlier German-language films to the Broadway premiere in 1959 and the filming of the movie in Salzburg and Hollywood in 1964. The story continues with the film’s cinema premiere in 1965, its success at the Academy Awards in 1966 and its lasting popularity on television.

You can also step inside a replica of the gazebo and experience two of the film’s best-known moments in a whole new way. With 360-degree projections, surround sound and atmospheric effects, Sixteen Going on Seventeen and the interactive Do-Re-Mi sing-along bring the world of the movie to life around you.

From Broadway to Salzburg

In the Hunting Lodge, you can explore the story of The Sound of Music on stage – from its Broadway beginnings to performances in Salzburg and productions around the world.

The Sound of Music Museum in Salzburg. White curved museum wall displays black-and-white photos and text, marking decades from 1950 to 1968.

Sound of Music Salzburg (c) Salzburg Museen

The exhibition My Favorite Things takes you into the world of the film’s fans and collectors. Here you can see part of the extensive collection of Dutch collector and fan Roger Pluijm. In 2024, Salzburg Museum acquired more than 2,500 objects from his collection, offering fascinating insights into the worldwide reception of the movie.

On the upper floor, the focus shifts from the film to the real von Trapp family. Discover their biographies, their love of music, their decision to leave Austria, their new life in the United States and the cultural legacy they have left behind.

A must for Sound of Music fans

Whether you have loved The Sound of Music for years or are discovering the story for the first time, Sound of Music Salzburg gives you the opportunity to see the film, the musical and the real von Trapp family from a new perspective.

A smiling couple in traditional Austrian clothing walk arm in arm on a path by a yellow historic building.

Hellbrunn (c) SalzburgerLand

Hollywood vs. Reality: What’s Behind the Legend?

The Hollywood Phenomenon

Discover how Maria von Trapp’s memoir inspired the legendary Broadway musical and the Oscar-winning 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Through interactive exhibits and rare multimedia presentations, visitors can explore the extraordinary global success of The Sound of Music and its lasting impact on pop culture.

The Real von Trapp Family

Step beyond the Hollywood story and uncover the true history of the Trapp Family Singers. Learn about their life in Salzburg, their escape from Austria and their remarkable journey to international fame. The exhibition offers a fascinating look at the people behind one of the world’s most famous family stories.

Plan Your Visit to the new Sound of Music Museum

Whether you are following in the footsteps of Maria and Captain von Trapp, exploring Salzburg’s famous filming locations, or looking for an unforgettable family day out, the new Salzburg Museum location at Hellbrunn is an absolute must-visit.

Facts & Visitor Information

Opening Date: 20 September 2026
Location: Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg, Austria
Museum: Salzburg Museum
Highlights: Interactive Sound of Music exhibition, authentic von Trapp family history, immersive 360° gazebo experience, original filming locations right on your doorstep.

Experience the story behind the world’s favourite musical and discover why Salzburg continues to captivate Sound of Music fans from around the globe.