Just when you think you’ve seen all of Vienna, you stumble upon a place like Belvedere 21 (or 21er Haus). Tucked away near the iconic Belvedere Palace, this museum is a world of its own—a space where contemporary art feels as timeless as the city’s Baroque masterpieces. As a native Viennese, I’ve spent countless hours here, discovering works that challenge, inspire, and stay with me long after I leave.
Why Belvedere 21 Stands Out
Belvedere 21 isn’t just another museum; it’s a reflection of Vienna’s evolving identity. Built for the 1958 World Expo, its modernist architecture is a statement in itself. But what truly draws me back is its commitment to showcasing art that speaks to our times. Whether it’s a bold feminist exhibition or a thought-provoking video installation, Belvedere 21 always feels fresh and relevant.
Since Belvedere 21 serves as the contemporary art branch of the larger Belvedere Palace, its permanent collection completes the historical narrative of Austrian art that begins in the medieval period at the main Belvedere locations.
What to See and Do at Belvedere 21
1. Galleries: Where Art Comes Alive
While the Belvedere 21 maintains a permanent collection alongside its rotating special exhibitions the museum is primarily known for its temporary shows that change throughout the year. It also houses and displays works from the Belvedere's extensive collection of Austrian art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
The permanent holdings at Belvedere 21 focus particularly on Austrian art from 1945 onwards. Some of the key elements typically featured in their permanent collection include:
- Important works of Austrian Modernism and post-war art.
- Significant pieces from the Vienna Actionism movement
- Contemporary Austrian art from recent decades
- Selected international works that provide context for Austrian artistic developments
The way these permanent collection works are displayed shifts periodically as curators create new dialogues between the pieces or make room for temporary exhibitions. To give you a few examples of Austrian artists and art to expect there:
Erwin Wurm - The Austrian artist known for his "One Minute Sculptures" and humorous approach to sculpture has exhibited at Belvedere 21. His work often involves everyday objects transformed in unexpected ways.
Franz West - This influential Austrian sculptor and installation artist had major exhibitions at the museum. His distinctive "Passstücke" (Adaptives) sculptures invite visitor interaction.
VALIE EXPORT - A pioneering feminist artist and filmmaker whose groundbreaking conceptual photography, performance art, and experimental film work has been featured at Belvedere 21.
Maria Lassnig - Her expressive paintings exploring bodily sensation ("body awareness paintings") were exhibited at the museum. She's one of Austria's most important artists of the 20th century.
Heimo Zobernig - An Austrian artist whose minimalist installations and interventions examining institutional frameworks have been showcased at Belvedere 21.
Gelatin/Gelitin - This Vienna-based art collective known for their provocative, playful installations and performances has exhibited at the museum.
2. Museum’s Cinema – Blickle Kino
One of the things I love most about Belvedere 21 is the Blickle Kino, a cinema space dedicated to video art and film. Their movie calendar focusses on art films, expe
rimental cinema, and documentaries that you won't typically find in commercial cinemas. Quite often, their regular film series and retrospectives connect to the museum's current exhibitions.
I remember attending a screening here that explored the intersection of culture, history, and contemporary art. Whether you’re watching a documentary or a piece of experimental film, the cinema adds a whole new dimension to the museum.
3. Outdoor Sculptures: Art in the Open
The museum’s outdoor spaces are just as captivating as its galleries. One of my favorite installations is Hans Kupelwieser’s e 14/1 sculptor, a reflective metal sculpture that looks like crumpled paper. It’s playful yet profound, inviting you to see the world in a new way. Another standout is Anna Jermolaewa’s Half-Mast, a powerful statement on universal freedoms and human rights. These sculptures, set against Vienna’s skyline, remind art fans all too well that there is life in Vienna after the Empire.
4. Explore the Exhibitions
Belvedere 21 is always evolving, with exhibitions that push boundaries and spark conversations. One that stands out is the Maria Hahnenkamp exhibition, which explores space, craftsmanship, and ornamentation through photographs and installations. Another fascinating display focuses on Fritz Wotruba’s influence in post-war sculpture, showcasing his works alongside contemporaries like Henry Moore and Louise Nevelson. These exhibitions, among others, make Belvedere 21 a dynamic and ever-changing space.
Practical Tips for Visiting Belvedere 21
- Address: Quartier Belvedere, Arsenalstraße 1, 1030 Vienna
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 – 18:00 (Thursday until 21:00)
- Admission: Free for visitors under 19; a museum visit is included in the Vienna Pass
Conclusion
Belvedere 21 is more than just a museum—it’s a journey into the heart of Austrian contemporary art. Whether you’re exploring its thought-provoking exhibitions, strolling through its outdoor sculptures, or catching a film at the Blickle Kino, this space connects you with what is going on in Austria’s art scene right now. Compared to popular central art magnet Museumsquartier the Belvedere 21 offers a notch more rebellion, and a much quieter space to ponder about art.
