The objects in the old Jewish Museum that have survived to this day are part of the
Jewish Community of Vienna Collection. Founded in 1895, it was the world’s first Jewish museum. The objects can be assigned using attached inventory numbers, an inventory book, a card index, photo documentation and contemporary publications. The museum founders were largely assimilated Viennese Jews who were particularly interested in the “original” Judaism that they sought in the eastern regions of the monarchy, where many of them had their own roots. The museum endeavored to explain the rituals and culture of Judaism through a range of themes such as Palestine, Zionism or famous rabbis. Today around half of the objects in the old Jewish Museum remain in the
Jewish Community of Vienna Collection.
