A brief history of Vienna’s art ecosystem
Vienna, the capital of Austria, has gone through several historical incarnations. The city is home to many art museums and galleries, including the Vienna Museum, which dates back to 1887. A group of museums comprising the museums of the city’s history, the Albertina, established in 1805, houses an immense collection of graphic arts, including engravings by Dürer and Rembrandt.
Vienna’s art ecosystem is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of creative innovation and cultural evolution. The city is often regarded as a living museum. At its heart lies the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere (Austrian Gallery Belvedere) museum housed in the Belvedere Palace, which displays treasures such as “The Kiss,” an oil-on-canvas painting with added gold leaf, silver, and platinum by the Austrian Symbolist painter Gustav Klimt.
Renowned institutions like Museum Wien, the Belvedere Palace, and Kunsthalle Wien are celebrated as some of the best art museums in Vienna, and they draw art collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe. Then, the Maria-Theresien-Platz, a large public square that joins the Ringstraße with the Museumsquartier, a museum of modern arts located in the former Imperial Stables. Facing each other from the sides of the square are two nearly identical buildings, the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum) and the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum). Also, the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien is one of Austria’s most significant and largest art museums. Some of the notable works in the picture gallery include Jan van Eyck’s “Portrait of Cardinal Niccolò Albergati” (1431) and Antonello da Messina’s “San Cassiano Altarpiece” (1475–1476).
The MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art) is a modern and contemporary art museum that houses the works of famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Pablo Picasso. The Leopold Museum has a collection of modern Austrian art featuring works by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt and pieces from the Vienna Secession, Viennese Modernism, and Austrian Expressionism.
The influence of iconic figures such as Gustav Klimt permeates every corner of Vienna today. As Klimt once said, “The artist must be a mirror of his time,” a sentiment that continues to inspire both artists and curators today. Moreover, the distinctive architecture of the Hundertwasser House, an expressionist landmark in Vienna, further complements the city’s innovative spirit, merging nature, colour, and design into a living artwork.
Must visit museums for art lovers in Vienna
-
Belvedere Museum
Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna, Austria
Admission: €17.50 (Upper Belvedere), 14.60 (Lower Belvedere), 9.30 (Belvedere 21)
The famous Baroque architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt built the two Belvedere palaces in the early eighteenth century to be used as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663–1736). The Belvedere comprises the Upper and Lower Belvedere and extensive gardens. The Belvedere houses the most incredible collection of Austrian art. Its highlights are Klimt's paintings "The Kiss" (1908) and "Judith and the Head of Holofernes" (1901).
-
Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna
Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Admission: €21
Recognised as one of Vienna's most prominent art museums, the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna was established between 1871 and 1891. The staircase of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which goes by the name the Grand Stairway, features paintings by Gustav Klimt, Franz Matsch, and more. Some of the Notable works in the picture gallery include Raphael's "Madonna of the Meadow "(1506) and "St Margaret and the Dragon" (1518), among other prominent works.
-
Albertina museum
Address: Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Admission: €19.50
The Albertina, founded by Albert Casimir, Duke of Teschen, in 1776, is celebrated for its vast collection of prints, drawings, and modern artworks spanning centuries of artistic achievement. Albertina houses Monet's "The Water Lily Pond" (1917–1919) and "House Among the Roses" (1918).
-
Museum Wien (Vienna Museum)
Address: Karlsplatz 8, 1040 Wien, Austria
Admission: Free
The Vienna Museum is a group of museums comprising museums of the city's history. The group's main building in Karlsplatz includes some locations, numerous specialised museums, musicians' residences and archaeological excavations. The museum's emphasis is on the 19th-century works by Gustav Klimt. Some of the museum's highlights are Frans Geffels’ “Vienna Battle 1683”, Josef Engelhart’s “Loge im Sofiensaal” and more.
Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artworks in Vienna
Feeling inspired? Looking to add a piece of Vienna’s vibrant energy to your collection? Elisium Art can connect you with a global network of artists, so you can find the perfect piece to turn your home into your personal art museum!
Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artists in Vienna
Sambit Panda
-
🇮🇳 India
Apurba Karati
-
🇮🇳 India
Vienna Art Adventure: A 2-Day Binge for Art Lovers (and Secret Deal Hunters!)
Embark on a captivating two-day Vienna Art Adventure designed for art lovers and secret deal hunters. Discover world-class art museums, galleries, and iconic masterpieces—from Gustav Klimt's legacy to modern art marvels near Maria Theresien Platz. This immersive journey invites you to explore Vienna's vibrant art scene and uncover exclusive cultural gems.
Day 1: Exploring Vienna’s Historical Masterpieces
-
Morning
Start your morning at Belvedere Palace, a historic building complex. It includes the Upper and Lower Belvedere and Belvedere 21 Museum. Head to the Lower Belvedere Palace, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Baroque-style architecture and home to high-quality medieval art. It also showcases art exhibitions from all periods, including the Middle Ages. It also hosts temporary exhibitions highlighting the works of contemporary artists from all over the world. The Lower Palace was also the residential palace of Prince Eugene. This palace highlights the sumptuous reception rooms, such as the Marble Gallery, the Golden Hall, the Hall of the Grotesques, and the Hall of Mirrors.
-
Afternoon
Head to the Upper Belvedere, which has art collections that include works from the 16th and 17th centuries by Italian, Dutch, and Flemish artists. Belvedere is also home to the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including “The Kiss” and “Judith.” Highlights include Klimt’s paintings and masterpieces by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. Then visit the Belvedere 21 museum, Vienna’s centre of Contemporary Art. The museum displays amazing artworks created by Austrian artists in the last 70 years and the best of international artists. Exhibitions are also commonly held, allowing visitors to see the most famous Austrian art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It includes the work of artists like Lukáš Jasanský, Markus Prachensky, Iman Issa, and more.
-
Mid-Afternoon
Head to the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna at Maria-Theresien-Platz. As one of the best art museums in Vienna, it offers an unrivalled collection of European masterpieces. The museum’s interiors give you a lavish experience with its outstanding architecture. The Gallery has several notable works by artists like Jan van Eyck, Klimt, Raphael, Rembrandt, Antonello da Messina, and many prominent historical artist figures. Explore the museum’s primary collections, which include the Habsburgs, particularly from the portrait and armour collections of Ferdinand of Tirol, the collections of Emperor Rudolph II, and the collection of paintings of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm, of which his Italian paintings were first documented in the Theatrum Pictorium.
-
Evening
Get a quick visit to Hundertwasser House, which closes at 6 pm as the evening approaches. Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed the house. The building was constructed between 1983 and 1985. The home features undulating floors, a roof covered with earth and grass, and large trees growing inside the rooms, with limbs extending from windows. Then conclude your day with dinner at the “Kunst-Cafe im Hundertwasserhaus” near Hundertwasser House.
Day 2: Modern Expressions and Urban Inspirations
-
Morning
Begin your second day at Vienna’s prominent modern art museum. Arrive at The Albertina Museum, home to the largest and most important print rooms, including works from French Impressionism, Pointillism, and Fauvism with paintings by Monet, Cézanne, and Matisse, expressionist artist groups Die Brücke and Der Blaue Reiter and the Russian avant-garde as well as numerous masterpieces by Picasso, Kiefer, Richter and more.
-
Afternoon
Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK), located at the MuseumsQuartier. It is one of the largest museums dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The museum displays an impressive cross-section of 20th and 21st century art, with its collection focusing on Pop Art and Photorealism, Fluxus and Nouveau Réalisme, and Viennese Actionism. It houses Works by Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Pablo Picasso, Yoko Ono, Gerhard Richter, and more.
-
Mid-Afternoon
isit the Leopold Museum, which is also at MuseumsQuartier. It is one of the most visited museums. Explore the world’s most important and largest Egon Schiele collection, as well as masterpieces by Gustav Klimt. The museum also showcases hundreds of masterworks of Austrian modern art collected by the passionate art lover Dr. Rudolf Leopold. Then, head to the Leopold Cafe to experience its Austrian cuisine.
-
Evening
You can also consider exploring Kunsthalle Wien, a leading contemporary art exhibition venue in MuseumsQuartier. It commissions new works and partners with national and international artists and institutions. It organises exhibitions and publications based on the latest research and aims to offer artists a platform. As the day winds down, wrap up your day by enjoying an elegant dinner in a historic Viennese restaurant near Maria-Theresien-Platz, reflecting on the day’s artistic encounters and the city’s creative energy.
Tips To Improve Your Experience
-
Bonus Tip
Stay informed by subscribing to museum alerts and checking their social media pages to stay updated about pop-up events or exhibitions. Many institutions offer exclusive previews and special admission days. Also, plan ahead by checking museum schedules for exclusive late-night openings or special exhibition previews. This ensures you experience Vienna’s art scene at its most vibrant moments.
-
Pro-Tip
For art lovers on a budget, take advantage of discounted admission days offered by galleries and museums. Consider joining a free walking tour available between your destination location or a free guided tour. Utilise the Vienna City Card for unlimited free travel by public transport on the city’s buses, trams, and subway. The standard cost is € 17 for 24 hours. You must buy the Vienna pass, which gives access to free entry to 90 museum venues and city attractions.
-
Secret Weapon
Many Viennese art institutions provide audio guides, offering insightful commentary that enriches your visit. For example, The Belvedere Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Albertina Museum, and Museum of Applied Art (MAK) provide audio guides in German and English. Keep an eye on special promotions where international visitors can enjoy complimentary admission.
-
Expand Your Artistic Horizons
Beyond Vienna’s renowned museums and galleries, consider exploring Elisium Art, an independent online art gallery. Elisium Art bridges the gap by presenting original, museum-quality paintings from emerging artists worldwide. By integrating traditional Viennese art experiences with innovative digital curation, you can expand your collection with Elisuium Art and discover unique fine art that resonates with your personal taste. Embrace this holistic art journey to enrich your collection and broaden your artistic perspective.
