The Museum of Military History is one of the largest and oldest historical museums in Europe, with unique historical collections and an extensive, growing permanent exhibition. Since February 2023, and with the appointment of Georg Hoffmann as the new director and Stephanie Pracherstorfer as commercial director, the museum has been undergoing a phase of modernisation, consolidation and further development. The aim is to return the HGM to the museum, research and science landscape and to anchor it there in the long term, while remaining a subordinate department of the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMLV). Furthermore, to strengthen its social function and to position it as an educational institution, including within the Austrian Armed Forces themselves, and also to establish it as a contributor to strengthening the psychological national defence and thus democracy.

As a scientific institution of the Federal Ministry of Defence, the HGM defines itself as a historical museum with a focus on military history. It aims to be a museum and historiographical discussion platform; at its core lies the observation, reflection and discussion of the role of the military in societies and the connection between war and society across historical eras up to the present day.