Exhibition Halbturn

Sisi & Co: What were their secret passions?

Philippa and Markus Königsegg- Aulendorf look forward to welcoming many guests.(Bild: Judt Reinhard)

The 50th anniversary exhibition opened at Halbturn Castle on Tuesday. Until November, visitors can now get to know the Habsburgs from a slightly different angle. 

This time the focus is on Sisi & Co and the secret passions of the Habsburgs. Because their path in life was prescribed from birth: they had to serve the Republic. It was hardly possible for them to do as they pleased. After all, they had to be there for the fatherland as reigning emperors, archdukes with military or representative duties, archduchesses, supportive wives and mothers.

Most Habsburgs resigned themselves to their fate, but a few rebelled. They defied family laws and social conventions and sometimes even practiced their talent and passion "professionally" - either by trickily circumventing the family statutes or even in secret.

The exhibition at Halbturn Castle, which is open until November 3, 2024, is primarily dedicated to these secret passions. Did you know, for example, that the Habsburgs included pioneers of ballooning as well as photographers and explorers? There were even undercover journalists!

Empress Elisabeth and her many passions take center stage. But you will also meet Emperor Franz Joseph, Archduke Johann and Crown Prince Rudolf. Curious? Then visit Halbturn and find out more about the Habsburgs.