Once upon a time, there was ... THE SCHILLING

Moneta, eine Frau, hält einen überdimensionalen Schilling
© OeNB | Eleonore Grundner

A special exhibition of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank’s Money Museum
August 19, 2025 – July 3, 2026

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the schilling, which used to be Austria’s currency from March 1925 onward. After a difficult start, the schilling became Austria’s defining 20th century currency. In fact, it has not entirely disappeared to this day. Around 6.8 billion schillings (approximately EUR 500 million) have not yet found their way back to the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB). They are probably still hidden away somewhere, under mattresses or in attics.

This exhibition features selected pieces from the collections of the OeNB Money Museum, showcasing the schilling’s ups and downs throughout its existence. Across nine chapters, banknotes, coins, newspaper articles and even curiosities like a pair of gold-plated schilling cufflinks tell the story of the currency that accompanied Austrians for over 70 years.