Mozart's birthplace
The structure at No. 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg rose from the earth during the 12th century. It stood on ground that once belonged to a garden held by Benedictine monks of St Peter's Abbey. Otto Keutzel, a merchant, appears as an owner in records dating back to 1408. Chunrad Fröschmoser, serving as court apothecary, purchased the property in 1585. A coiled serpent inside a lion's mouth still adorns the doorway today. This symbol of Asclepius testifies to his medical profession and ownership history. The Hagenauer family acquired the house in 1703 after arriving in Salzburg around 1670. Joseph Matin Hagenauer and Johann Laurenz Hagenauer later became Mozart's landlord.
Leopold Mozart rented the apartment on the third floor after marrying Anna Maria Pertl on the 21st of November 1747. The space contained a kitchen, a small cabinet, a living room, a bedroom, and an office. Wolfgang Amadeus entered this world on the 27th of January 1756 within these walls. Leopold served as a musician with the Salzburg Royal Chamber while raising seven children here. Only two survived: Maria Anna and Wolfgang Amadeus himself. The family lived there until 1773 when they moved to more spacious quarters in the Tanzmeisterhaus. During their grand tour between 1763 and 1766, Leopold maintained constant contact through letters with his landlord.
The building has housed a museum since 1880 under the management of the Mozart Foundation. This institution depicts the early life of the composer alongside his first musical instruments. Visitors encounter portraits, documents, and early editions of his music throughout the tours. Records of his life in Vienna appear alongside details about his wife and family. The structure remains owned by the Mozart Foundation today. It serves as a public archive for those seeking to understand the composer's origins. The foundation manages the site to preserve its historical integrity for future generations.
Mozart's childhood violin sits on display among other artifacts from his youth. A harpsichord accompanies the instrument on the third floor exhibit space. Portraits and documents fill the walls alongside early editions of his music. Family letters provide insight into daily life during that era. Pictures of his childhood offer visual context to the written records. An incomplete portrait painted by Joseph Lange appears here as well. Lange was Mozart's brother-in-law who created this striking image in 1789.
The second floor focuses entirely on Mozart's passionate interest in opera. A clavichord used to compose The Magic Flute rests within this collection. This specific instrument connects directly to one of his most famous works. The room displays items related to his operatic compositions and performances. Visitors can see how he approached composition through these tangible objects. The collection highlights his dedication to the genre throughout his career. These artifacts illustrate the depth of his engagement with theatrical music.
The first floor replicates living conditions found in Mozart's day using period furniture. Original documents and paintings illustrate his life specifically within Salzburg. The kitchen remains a central feature of the historical reconstruction. Visitors walk through spaces designed to reflect domestic life of the 18th century. Paintings from the era hang alongside authentic furnishings to create atmosphere. This arrangement allows guests to experience the environment where the family lived. It provides context for understanding their daily routines and social standing.
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Common questions
Where is Mozart's birthplace located?
Mozart's birthplace is located at No. 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg, Austria. The building rose from the earth during the 12th century on ground that once belonged to a garden held by Benedictine monks of St Peter's Abbey.
When was Wolfgang Amadeus born inside his family home?
Wolfgang Amadeus entered this world on the 27th of January 1756 within these walls. Leopold Mozart rented the apartment on the third floor after marrying Anna Maria Pertl on the 21st of November 1747.
Who owned Mozart's birthplace before the Hagenauer family acquired it?
Otto Keutzel appears as an owner in records dating back to 1408. Chunrad Fröschmoser served as court apothecary and purchased the property in 1585.
What artifacts does the Mozart Foundation display regarding his early life?
The museum displays Mozart's childhood violin, a harpsichord used to compose The Magic Flute, portraits, documents, and early editions of his music. An incomplete portrait painted by Joseph Lange appears here as well since Lange was Mozart's brother-in-law who created this striking image in 1789.
How long did the Mozart family live at No. 9 Getreidegasse?
The family lived there until 1773 when they moved to more spacious quarters in the Tanzmeisterhaus. They resided in the building from 1756 through their grand tour between 1763 and 1766 while Leopold maintained constant contact through letters with his landlord.