Bad Ischl has been and remains a fashionable resort. During the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I gathered here the colors of the Austrian and Hungarian aristocracy, composers and writers. The famous composer Franz Lehar lived here for almost 40 years.

On the southern outskirts of the resort stands the Villa Lehar – the three-storey building in the classical style. Lehar bequeathed his Villa to the state with the condition that there will be a Museum. His wish was fulfilled, and here everything is preserved as it was during the life of the great composer.