Hi all,  I share Thomas Henden's frustrations when visiting museums
in Vienna.  The wonderful Geymueller Schloessl museum, running under
the authority of the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts, still contains
the musical clocks that were on display and on demonstration earlier
this year.  The museum closed down several weeks ago due to lack of
funding to keep it open, I was told.

For those interested enough to make it known that they would
greatly appreciate seeing the museum, a phone call to Dr. Gabriele
Fabiankowitsch may make this possible; telephone 71136/298 or fax
71136/222.  This museum is not in the center of Vienna, but rather
close via tram 41 from the Ring Road around the center.

A book (in German), "Die Oesterreichische Spielwerkemanufaktur",
by Luuk Goldhoorn, gives a look at what can be found in these
clocks.  Almost all the Austrian cylinder musical movements are to
be found in something, not alone in a box to be played at will, but
in a clock, a picture, etc.  A stroll through this old home, which is
the museum, will allow the ambience of Biedermeier furniture, wall
coverings, Viennese pendulum clocks (many with musical movements),
and room architecture to transport you to early 19th century Vienna.

A further tram ride to the Grinzing (wine district) for a mild evening
sipping Heuriger, an "early" white wine, may be a perfect way to end
the day in this very musical city in Europe.

Bill Maier

 [ Luuk Goldhoorn's book about the Austrian music box makers was
 [ reviewed in 991215 MMD; it may be purchased from the author or
 [ from Nancy Fratti <musicbox@sover.net>  -- Robbie