From summer 2026, Salzburg will be enriched by a globally unique attraction: the new "Sound of Music Salzburg" museum is being built on the historic grounds of Hellbrunn Palace. The former farm buildings—the coach house, gamekeeper's lodge, and animal keeper's house—are being renovated and adapted as an additional location for the Salzburg Museum. The aim is to present the phenomenon of "The Sound of Music" not only as a Hollywood success, but also in its historical, cultural, and local dimensions. The centerpiece of the museum will be the famous pavilion—the original filming location in the palace park—which will be part of the tour in the future and bring the connection between film and reality to life.
The story of the von Trapp family is world-famous: in 1952, Maria von Trapp published her memoirs, which showed the Trapp Family Singers already as celebrities in the USA. In 1959, the Broadway team around Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein adapted the story into a musical, which was filmed just a few years later by Robert Wise with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The film was shot (almost) entirely on location in Salzburg, from the baroque streets to the picturesque parks. The romantic story, based on true events, has enchanted millions of viewers since its New York premiere in 1965. To this day, over 350,000 fans from all over the world travel to Salzburg every year to experience the film locations.
Robert Traub (1886–1959), The Trapp family making music with their chaplain Dr. Franz Wasner, portrait, circa 1937, photographic print on paper © Salzburg Museum
"Sound of Music Salzburg" offers a multimedia exhibition experience that brings together film, musical, and the historical reality of the von Trapp family. The Remise is dedicated to the global phenomenon of the film, while the Jägerhaus sheds light on the historical reality of the family and the ongoing debate surrounding their legacy. The Tierwärterhaus houses the reception and museum shop, while the pavilion will serve as a 360° projection room, immersing visitors in the iconic film scene "Sixteen Going on Seventeen." This breaks down the separation between film and reality, allowing guests to experience the magic of this classic in an interactive way.
This new facility closes a decades-long gap: while the original filming locations have long been pilgrimage sites for fans from all over the world, there has been no museum that combines the creation of the musical, the film's history, and the authentic family history in a narrative framework. "Sound of Music Salzburg" creates precisely this place where both international visitors and local fans can gain a deep, holistic understanding of the history and impact of "The Sound of Music."
Deputy Governor Stefan Schnöll emphasizes the importance of the project: "'The Sound of Music' is a jewel of film and music history and a key tourist asset for the city and province of Salzburg. With the museum at Hellbrunn Palace, we offer guests an authentic place to experience the magic of the film and the beauty of our city." Martin Hochleitner, director of the Salzburg Museum, also emphasizes: "With 'Sound of Music Salzburg,' we are creating a place where film history, family history, and world history come together—and Salzburg can be experienced anew as the setting of the myth."
The Pavilion © Salzburg Museum/Andrew Phelps
The pavilion, the romantic backdrop for the love stories between Maria and Captain von Trapp as well as Liesl and Rolf, will become an integral part of the museum tour. Visitors will be able to experience the famous scene that was previously only known from the film—a unique experience that preserves the legend of The Sound of Music for the future. The Sound of Music Salzburg museum promises to be a highlight for fans and families, for film and music lovers, and for anyone who wants to rediscover the beauty of Salzburg and the magic of this timeless classic.
From summer 2026
www.salzburgmuseum.at
