In an attempt to improve lighting in hospital operating rooms, Erwin Perzy I ended up inventing one of the most beloved decorative objects in the world.
More than 80 years after its cinematic appearance in Citizen Kane, the snow globe remains a cherished emblem of nostalgia and holiday tradition. Its evolution from a fortuitous invention in Vienna for a global phenomenon it is a story of creativity, resilience and family legacy.
The snow globe owes its existence to Erwin Perzy Ia Viennese merchant and inventor. In 1900, when trying to improve lighting in hospital operating rooms, Perzy experimented with a glass globe filled with water. Adding reflective materials to improve light diffusion accidentally created a “snowfall” effect.
Recognizing the potential of the novelty, Perzy combined it with his miniature tin models, creating the first snow globe – a diorama of the snow. Mariazell Basilica. At the end of the year, Perzy and his brother Josef patented their creation and opened a workshop in the 17th district of Vienna.
The snow globe’s charm spread quickly, earning praise from Emperor Francis Joseph. Although popularity waned during the economic recessions of the world wars, the invention returned to growth during the post-war baby boom, reports .
Perzy’s son, Erwin Perzy II, revitalized the product by introducing holiday-themed designs such as Santa Claus and snowmenat the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 1955. This initiative made the snow globe a reference product for the holidays, with its success driven by large American department stores.
The business expanded under the direction of Erwin Perzy III, who introduced innovative designs and modernized production techniques. In the 1970s, the company’s global presence had increased, even ensuring a partnership with Mitsubishi in Japan. The brand’s reputation was solidified with appearances in Hollywood films such as Edward Scissorhands and custom orders for US presidents.
Today, the Original Viennese Snow Globe Company remains a family business, led by Sabine Perzy, the fourth generation manager. During the pandemic, his inventive designs, like a snow globe with a toilet paper roll, kept the business thriving. With a dedicated team that produces more than 300,000 snow globes per yearthe company continues to combine tradition with innovation.
For the Perzy family, the snow globe is more than a product – it’s a legacy. As Sabine says, “It’s our passion and family history that make the Vienna Snow Globe so special.”
