Mozart's birthplace

When you think of Salzburg, the figure of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart inevitably springs to mind. Born in 1756 in the picturesque Getreidegasse, the young musician left the city for good at the age of 25. His departure for Vienna was precipitated by a quarrel with Count Colloredo, who employed him as organist.

Mozart was dissatisfied with his salary and wanted to travel. The Count, for his part, found him too arrogant. The rupture was consummated in 1781, when Colloredo's chamberlain kicked the composer out on the street after an argument. Mozart fiercely disliked his home town, but it did not hold it against him. Even today, Salzburg continues to cherish its child prodigy, devoting concerts, exhibitions and other events to him. To understand this fascination, and to better understand Mozart's personality, a pilgrimage to his birthplace is essential.

© footageclips / Shutterstock

The content of the visit

The exhibition is spread over three floors, and provides an opportunity to learn more about the famous composer's childhood. You should allow about an hour, or slightly more, to take in the museum's well-organised scenography. The original rooms, located on the 3rd floor, are decorated with period objects and furniture to give a faithful reproduction of an 18th-century bourgeois flat.

The first floor is devoted to an exhibition of original documents, letters and memorabilia relating to Mozart's life. A host of details help us to get to know him better: portraits testify to his musical precociousness, as do the historical instruments (the small size of the violin lets us imagine the size of the child at the time). Finally, the second floor is devoted to Mozart's relationship with the world of theatre.

© Virtual Tours Travel

Practical info

🗓️ Open every day from 9am to 5.30pm (last entry at 5pm)

👉 A text guide for mobile phones is available. Texts accompany the exhibitions on the museum walls.

💰 Tickets are available online or directly from museum ticket offices.

🌐All information is available on the museum website.

Which restaurant to choose after your visit?

Salzburg Residence by Welcome to Salzburg Salzburg
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Salzburg Residence by Welcome to Salzburg

Villa with 100 square metre garden
8.8 Superb
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£639 / night
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Situated in the same street as Mozart's birthplace, the Goldener Hirsch is a famous inn that has retained the allure of a private residence. With its low ceilings, vaulted ceilings, beams and whitewashed walls, it exudes a warm, chic atmosphere. Its refined cuisine is a skilful blend of traditional dishes and innovative cooking techniques, to satisfy all discerning palates. Set menus cost between €35 and €65.

"The ideal place to enjoy a delicious Austrian speciality in a warm and friendly setting. Very warm welcome, professional service. The waitresses are dressed in traditional costume. The menu offers typical Austrian dishes. The cordon bleu is creamy and delicious. The restaurant is very pleasant, and you could stay for hours just to soak up the atmosphere."

James

Practical info

⏱️ Opening hours: Thursday and Friday: 18: 00-21:30/ Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 - 14:00 and 18:00 - 22:30.

👉You can also stay overnight at the Goldener Hirsch, as the restaurant is also a luxury hotel. You'll stay in a historic 15th-century building, in rooms furnished in classic Austrian style and decorated with antiques. Prices start from €373 per night.

© Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg
by Lena COLLINS
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