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Explore the Magic of Vienna

The German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA®

German-American Heritage Museum of the USA™

The German-American Heritage Museum of the USA™ opened in March, 2010 in a building once known as Hockemeyer Hall. Renovations were completed by the GAHF after acquiring the building in 2008. Located on 6th Street NW in the heart of the old European-American section of Washington, the Museum sits in what is now a thriving commercial neighborhood.

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Imperial Apartments

2024

Join the German-American Heritage Foundation for a Special Trip to Vienna, Austria in 2025

Austria’s capital Vienna, once the seat of the multicultural Austro-Hungarian Empire, is a vibrant city with stunning reminders of its imperial past, a lively art and theatre scene, museums, shopping, famous coffee houses and culinary delights influenced by the cuisines of Central Europe. What sets Vienna apart from other European capitals is its wonderful tradition of formal balls. These balls date back to the period of 1814/1815 after the Napoleonic Wars when the Congress of Vienna gathered in the city with crowned heads and aristocrats not only busy redrawing European boundaries to ensure peace and stability, but also desiring entertainment. Official ball season coincides with carnival, which begins on Nov. 11 and ends on Shrove Tuesday; however, most Viennese balls take place during the months of January and February. For the first time, GAHF is now offering an exclusive trip to Vienna to attend a traditional Viennese ball in the ceremonial rooms of the Imperial Palace. You can read about your January 2024 trip here (pp. 16-20).

Reservation Deadline: Friday, Sept. 20, 2024

Following our inaugural trip this past January, we are once again gearing up for a trip to enjoy Vienna’s ball season. However, we are now offering two packages, one for the Vienna Philharmonic Ball and one for a traditional ball at the Hofburg Palace. Please read on to learn more. 

Important note: Viennese balls do not include dinner and start late (between 9: 30 and 10 pm). Food can be purchased, but it is recommended that you have a light dinner before attending the ball. 

Package A: Vienna Philharmonic Ball including dance lesson, dinner, and tour (choose between a Vienna Underground and a tour of the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum) — $1,199 per person
Limit: 24 people, minimum 12 participants

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025

Private Ballroom Dance Lesson at Vienna’s renowned Elmayer Dance School to prepare for the ball — Time TBD

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025

  • Private tour of the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg with a professional tour guide. This will allow you to explore the living quarters of Austria’s Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, the famous Sisi, whose splendor, furniture, and décor draw you back to the latter half of the 19th century. The Sisi Museum brings the famous Empress who was known for her beauty and eccentric behavior to life. This tour is approx. 2.5 hours, and involves climbing a few flights of stairs. Once again, we are limited to 24 people. OR
  • Guided walking tour (approx. 2 hours) of Vienna’s Underground. Explore the city underneath through secret medieval cellars, hidden tunnels, and World War II era bunkers. These fascinating locations provide unique insight into Vienna’s history dating back to the Roman era. Experience a unique perspective of this ancient city by getting a look behind the scenes. Please note that we need a minimum of 12 people to offer this specially curated tour. The maximum number is 24 participants due to space constraints in the tunnels. 
  • Dinner at a Viennese restaurant to sample the delights of Viennese cuisine

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025

Join us for a night of splendor and dancing until dawn in the Golden Hall of Vienna’s Musikverein, the concert hall of the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy a beautiful opening ceremony with debutantes directed by the renowned Elmayer Dance School in Vienna. Click here to watch a video of a previous ball. Please note that the dress code for this ball is strictly white tie and tails aka full evening dress for gentlemen, and floor-length ball gowns for ladies. You cannot be overdressed. 

Please note that we are limited to 24 people for this event. 

Admission: 9:00 PM
Opening Ceremony Beginning: 10:00 PM
Ball ends: 5:00 AM — The Viennese then eat breakfast at one of the many cafés or pick up a sausage at a Würstlstand.

We suggest arriving on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 so you can adjust to the six-hour time difference. Flights from the United States to Europe are always overnight, and arrive in Vienna in the morning or early afternoon if you have a layover. The Schwechat Airport is just a short drive from the city. A list of suggested hotels at various price levels can be found below. Breakfast is often included, but please be sure to check the hotel’s Website.

This package is limited to 24 participants. Please note that we can only finalize the itinerary in October. The reservation deadline is Friday, Sept. 20. We expect this event to sell out, so please reserve your seat quickly. Please note that the minimum number of participants is 12; we will not be able to offer this trip if we don’t meet the minimum and you will receive a refund. 

COST: $1,199 per person

Click here to watch a video of the opening ceremony at the Musikverein.


Package B: Traditional Viennese Ball in the Rooms of the Imperial Palace including dance lesson, dinner, and tour (choose between a Vienna Underground and a tour of the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum) — $1,000 per person
Limit: 24 people; minimum of 12 participants is required.

Friday, Jan. 24, 2025

  • Private tour of the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg with a professional tour guide. This will allow you to explore the living quarters of Austria’s Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, the famous Sisi, whose splendor, furniture, and décor draw you back to the latter half of the 19th century. This tour also includes the Sisi Museum, which chronicles the life of Empress Elizabeth who was renowned for her beauty and her reclusiveness. Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
  • Enjoy a delicious traditional Viennese dinner at one of Vienna’s classic restaurants.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025

  • Guided walking tour (approx. 2 hours) of Vienna’s Underground. Explore the city underneath through secret medieval cellars, hidden tunnels, and World War II era bunkers. These fascinating locations provide unique insight into Vienna’s history dating back to the Roman era. Experience a unique perspective of this ancient city by getting a look behind the scenes. Please note that we need a minimum of 12 people to offer this specially curated tour. The maximum number is 24 participants due to space constraints in the tunnels. This tour will take place in the late morning, leaving you sufficient time to get lunch.
  • We will reconvene for a ballroom dance lesson at Elmayer Dance School near the Hofburg complex — Time TBD (mid afternoon, which will leave you sufficient time to get ready for the ball).
  • Attend a traditional Viennese Ball at the Imperial Palace. The evening features music, dancing, and entertainment in more than a dozen ceremonial and formal rooms of the palace. Balls in Vienna traditionally do not include food or drink, which can be purchased separately, but your reservation includes a bottle of champagne at each table.

    Ball Program:
  • 8 PM: Admission to the ball begins, which leaves you plenty of time to enjoy a light dinner.
  • 9:30 PM: Fanfare and festive opening ceremony, which includes the presentation of debutantes in the main hall commences at 9:30 pm, and is followed by music and dancing.
  • Midnight: You will be treated to a special Midnight Show featuring opera singers, dancers, and actors in the main ballroom. Beginning at 1 am, ladies can pick up their Damenspende, a special souvenir to remind them of a fabulous night.
  • 1:30 AM: Quadrille rehearsal. This fun group dance consists of six parts, and is performed to the music of Johann Strauss’s operetta “Die Fledermaus”.
  • 5 AM: Ball ends. The Viennese then gather at one of the many cafés of the city for an early breakfast. 

COST: $1,000 per person


Suggested Hotels:

  • Pension Lerner – a small B&B in the heart of the old city with easy access to the many sights. 
  • Hotel Pertschy – traditional Viennese hotel located in the 17th-century Palais Cavriani, and just minutes from the Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Graben Hotel – classic Viennese city hotel in an 18th century building, redesigned in 1913, it served as a popular meeting point for the literary scene from 1913-1919; Peter Altenberg, Franz Kafka and Max Brod were regular guests.
  • Hotel Sacher – the quintessential Viennese 5-star hotel located directly behind the Vienna State Opera House.
  • Palais Coburg – a luxurious five-star hotel in a converted mid-19th century palace. 

Reservation Deadline: Friday, Sept. 20, 2024

Following our inaugural trip this past January, we are once again gearing up for a trip to enjoy Vienna’s ball season. However, we are now offering two packages, one for the Vienna Philharmonic Ball and one for a traditional ball at the Hofburg Palace. Please read on to learn more. 

Important note: Viennese balls do not include dinner and start late (between 9: 30 and 10 pm). Food can be purchased, but it is recommended that you have a light dinner before attending the ball. 

Package A: Vienna Philharmonic Ball including dance lesson, dinner, and tour (choose between a Vienna Underground and a tour of the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum) — $1,199 per person
Limit: 24 people, minimum 12 participants

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025

Private Ballroom Dance Lesson at Vienna’s renowned Elmayer Dance School to prepare for the ball — Time TBD

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025

  • Private tour of the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg with a professional tour guide. This will allow you to explore the living quarters of Austria’s Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, the famous Sisi, whose splendor, furniture, and décor draw you back to the latter half of the 19th century. The Sisi Museum brings the famous Empress who was known for her beauty and eccentric behavior to life. This tour is approx. 2.5 hours, and involves climbing a few flights of stairs. Once again, we are limited to 24 people. 
  • Guided walking tour (approx. 2 hours) of Vienna’s Underground. Explore the city underneath through secret medieval cellars, hidden tunnels, and World War II era bunkers. These fascinating locations provide unique insight into Vienna’s history dating back to the Roman era. Experience a unique perspective of this ancient city by getting a look behind the scenes. Please note that we need a minimum of 12 people to offer this specially curated tour. The maximum number is 24 participants due to space constraints in the tunnels. 
  • Dinner at a Viennese restaurant to sample the delights of Viennese cuisine

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025

Join us for a night of splendor and dancing until dawn in the Golden Hall of Vienna’s Musikverein, the concert hall of the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy a beautiful opening ceremony with debutantes directed by the renowned Elmayer Dance School in Vienna. Click here to watch a video of a previous ball. Please note that the dress code for this ball is strictly white tie and tails aka full evening dress for gentlemen, and floor-length ball gowns for ladies. You cannot be overdressed. 

Please note that we are limited to 24 people for this event. 

Admission: 9:00 PM
Opening Ceremony Beginning: 10:00 PM
Ball ends: 5:00 AM — The Viennese then eat breakfast at one of the many cafés or pick up a sausage at a Würstlstand.

We suggest arriving on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 so you can adjust to the six-hour time difference. Flights from the United States to Europe are always overnight, and arrive in Vienna in the morning or early afternoon if you have a layover. The Schwechat Airport is just a short drive from the city. A list of suggested hotels at various price levels can be found below. Breakfast is often included, but please be sure to check the hotel’s Website.

This package is limited to 24 participants. Please note that we can only finalize the itinerary in October. The reservation deadline is Friday, Sept. 20. We expect this event to sell out, so please reserve your seat quickly. Please note that the minimum number of participants is 12; we will not be able to offer this trip if we don’t meet the minimum and you will receive a refund. 

COST: $1,199 per person


Package B: Traditional Viennese Ball in the Rooms of the Imperial Palace including dance lesson, dinner, and tour (choose between a Vienna Underground and a tour of the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum) — $1,000 per person
Limit: 24 people; minimum of 12 participants is required.

Friday, Jan. 24, 2025

  • Private tour of the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg with a professional tour guide. This will allow you to explore the living quarters of Austria’s Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, the famous Sisi, whose splendor, furniture, and décor draw you back to the latter half of the 19th century. This tour also includes the Sisi Museum, which chronicles the life of Empress Elizabeth who was renowned for her beauty and her reclusiveness. Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
  • Enjoy a delicious traditional Viennese dinner at one of Vienna’s classic restaurants.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025

  • Guided walking tour (approx. 2 hours) of Vienna’s Underground. Explore the city underneath through secret medieval cellars, hidden tunnels, and World War II era bunkers. These fascinating locations provide unique insight into Vienna’s history dating back to the Roman era. Experience a unique perspective of this ancient city by getting a look behind the scenes. Please note that we need a minimum of 12 people to offer this specially curated tour. The maximum number is 24 participants due to space constraints in the tunnels. This tour will take place in the late morning, leaving you sufficient time to get lunch.
  • We will reconvene for a ballroom dance lesson at Elmayer Dance School near the Hofburg complex — Time TBD (mid afternoon, which will leave you sufficient time to get ready for the ball).
  • Attend a traditional Viennese Ball at the Imperial Palace. The evening features music, dancing, and entertainment in more than a dozen ceremonial and formal rooms of the palace. Balls in Vienna traditionally do not include food or drink, which can be purchased separately, but your reservation includes a bottle of champagne at each table.

    Ball Program:
  • 8 PM: Admission to the ball begins, which leaves you plenty of time to enjoy a light dinner.
  • 9:30 PM: Fanfare and festive opening ceremony, which includes the presentation of debutantes in the main hall commences at 9:30 pm, and is followed by music and dancing.
  • Midnight: You will be treated to a special Midnight Show featuring opera singers, dancers, and actors in the main ballroom. Beginning at 1 am, ladies can pick up their Damenspende, a special souvenir to remind them of a fabulous night.
  • 1:30 AM: Quadrille rehearsal. This fun group dance consists of six parts, and is performed to the music of Johann Strauss’s operetta “Die Fledermaus”.
  • 5 AM: Ball ends. The Viennese then gather at one of the many cafés of the city for an early breakfast. 

COST: $1,000 per person


Suggested Hotels:

  • Pension Lerner – a small B&B in the heart of the old city with easy access to the many sights. 
  • Hotel Pertschy – traditional Viennese hotel located in the 17th-century Palais Cavriani, and just minutes from the Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Graben Hotel – classic Viennese city hotel in an 18th century building, redesigned in 1913, it served as a popular meeting point for the literary scene from 1913-1919; Peter Altenberg, Franz Kafka and Max Brod were regular guests.
  • Hotel Sacher – the quintessential Viennese 5-star hotel located directly behind the Vienna State Opera House.
  • Palais Coburg – a luxurious five-star hotel in a converted mid-19th century palace. 

Dress Code

Please note that a traditional Viennese Ball has a very strict dress code!
Ladies: Floor-length ball gown (opera gloves may be worn). White gowns are reserved for debutantes. 
Gentlemen: White tie and tails or black tie with white shirt, black cummerbund/waistcoat, and black bow tie. Long ties are not permitted. 
The ball organizers reserve the right to refuse admission to guests who do not abide by the dress code. Tickets will not be refunded. 

Booking:

  • Ball Package:
    $1,000 – $1,199

For questions, please contact Katja Sipple at [email protected] or (202) 467-5000.

Location:

719 6th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001