| Wüstenhaus at Schönbrunn (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Wüstenhaus at Schönbrunn
Wüstenhaus at Schönbrunn
The Wüstenhaus (Desert Experience House) at Schönbrunn contains desert plants and landscapes in the former Sundial House.The Schönbrunn Wüstenhaus was originally a hothouse built for Emperor Franz Joseph I to protect the valuable collection brought back by the Dutch from Australia and South Africa. It was completed in 1904, made of an ironwork frame and glass with a solid wall on the north side giving extra protection during the winter.
Towards the end of the 20C the Wüstenhaus required extensive renovation and at this time it was adapted to display a collection of cacti and other desert succulents. The space is split into three sections with plants from Madagascar, deserts of the Old and deserts of the New World. Some desert creatures are also on display here.
The Wüstenhaus is at the far west of the Schlosspark, near to the Palm House and close to the Hietzinger Tor (Hietzinger Gate) entrance to the park. Entrance to the Wüstenhaus is ticketed
Address:
Schloss Schönbrunn-Haupteingang
Schönbrunner Schloss-Strasse
A-1130 Wien
Austria
http://www.schoenbrunn.at
Transport:
U-Bhan Schönbrunn (U4)
Trams: 10, 58, Schönbrunn
Bus: 10A, Schönbrunn
