Plan your visit
The VISTA Science Experience Center is the visitor center at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). Here, scientific research, curiosity, artistic exploration, and open dialogue come together and are brought to life for visitors.
The visit and all activities are free of charge. Please note that visits are only possible as part of booked exhibition visits, workshops, and tours. You are welcome to book the free program online via the website.
Information for school groups
Whether elementary school children, teenagers, or high school seniors—we focus on current research topics. The youngest visitors slip into the role of paleontologists and explore dinosaur skeletons, while secondary school students uncover hidden phenomena and learn how to study planets. Finally, upper school classes are introduced to the fascinating world of neuroscience.
Group inquiries
Are you a group of more than 10 people and would like to visit the VISTA Science Experience Center and the exhibition during the week? Then please send us your request at least 8 weeks before your desired date by email to hello@vistascience.at – including your address, group size, and suggested dates.
Please note: This offer is not available to school classes.
Opening hours and directions
Opening hours
Monday: closed
Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
On Easter Monday, May 1, Whit Monday, and December 24 to incl. January 1 the VISTA Science Experience Center is closed.
Directions
Public transportation
From Vienna Heiligenstadt (U4) bus line 400
From Tulln bus line 406
Stop: Maria Gugging IST Austria
For route planning, it is best to use the VOR Routenplaner.
Car
Take the B14 (expressway) to Klosterneuburg and drive through the town. Then follow the road for about 6 km via Kierling to Maria Gugging and ISTA.
Please note: Parking at ISTA is limited. However, the parking garage is available free of charge on weekends.
VISTA Coffee Lab
Nestled in greenery, the VISTA Coffee Lab with its sunny terrace invites you to linger. Here you can enjoy fine coffee specialties and homemade cakes from Café vom See in a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of campus flair. Perfect for a delightful break between exciting discoveries.
VISTA Coffee Lab opening hours
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
ISTA at a Glance
The multimedia installation “ISTA at a Glance” is on display in the foyer of the VISTA Science Experience Center. Seven interactive stations with 3D-visualized content introduce visitors to the world of cutting-edge research at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) campus. Depending on your interests, you can immerse yourself in the numerous fields of research, opportunities for scientists, history, community, and much more.
Contact
VISTA Science Experience Center
hello@vistascience.at
+43 664 8832 6610
Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
Am Campus 1
3400 Klosterneuburg
+43 2243 9000
FAQ
The program offerings are free of charge and you do not have to pay an entrance fee, but booking is mandatory. Secure your spot now—we look forward to seeing you!
If you decide to drop by spontaneously, you can visit the “ISTA at a Glance” installation in the foyer. You are also welcome to visit the VISTA Coffee Lab! You can book any remaining places for the exhibition and our workshops directly at the reception desk. However, to be sure of a place, we recommend booking early.
No - our exhibition is aimed at adults as well as younger people. Our programs offer points of interest on various levels. The age ranges listed in the program are recommendations for a minimum age. Come by and discover the fascination of science on your own, as a family, or as a group!
Yes, children under 14 may only participate in VISTA programs such as workshops or exhibition visits when accompanied by an adult.
We estimate 1 to 1.5 hours. After an introduction by our science mediators, you can explore the exhibition in dialogue or on your own. So it depends on how curious you are.
On weekdays, the ISTA shuttle (bus line 142) is available from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Before and after these times, we ask our visitors to take bus 400.
Groups in particular cannot use the shuttle in the early morning and late afternoon! School classes should take bus line 400 from Vienna Heiligenstadt to “Maria Gugging” to reach the ISTA campus. For the return trip, you can also use the ISTA shuttle (line 142).
For current times, we recommend using the digital route planner of the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region.
School classes can only take bus line 400 from Vienna Heiligenstadt to the ISTA Campus for the outward journey. The ISTA bus shuttle can be used for the return journey.
For current times, we recommend using the digital route planner of the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region.
To ensure that all visitors can enjoy our program to the fullest, we start on time. We ask for your understanding that there is no entitlement to an alternative date and that we can only offer later dates in exceptional cases and subject to availability.
In the event of a short-term delay, we ask groups to notify us by telephone at +43 664 8832 6610.
Yes, as long as you do not use a flash or tripod and only use the photos privately. Please always respect the personal rights of other visitors.