What makes the Kunsthistorisches Museum also known as Vienna Art Museum one of Europe's finest places for classical art? And what is the best way to easily navigate Vienna's most popular art temple? To prepare your visit, use these simple tricks below.
Key Facts Before You Go
Kunsthistorisches Museum. After collecting artwork across Europe and Northern Africa for more than 400 years the Habsburg Emperors amassed a priceless collection of treasures. When the Imperial art collection at the Upper Belvedere was bursting at the seams, Emperor Franz Joseph built the Kunsthistorisches or Vienna Art Museum more than 120 years ago. Definitely as impressive as the collections is the museum building itself, one of Ringstrasse's gems. The long stretched cuboid topped with a massive cupola, oversized windows, Greek columns and sculptures is meant to overwhelm.
As you step inside, the ancient powers of Rome and Greece seem to hand over straight to the Habsburgs, just as they had wished: At the colossal junction of marble staircases opening up to a lofty gallery and Greek-style portals take time for awe and orientation. Just as you walk up the grand staircase a monumental Theseus will kill a Centaur. (The Viennese loved it and were exhilarated when it finally moved in for permanent public exhibition in 1883.)
What most visitors don't know is that the museum hosts some breathtaking Gustav Klimt artwork. At 12 meters above the main entrance Gustav, his brother Ernst, and Franz Matsch created wall paintings between the columns and arcades of the top floor. Just before you enter the top floor café, look up while still at the staircase and you will see Klimt's romantic females. Most of them are posing in Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles.
History of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, also known as the Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna, is one of Austria's crown jewels and a world-renowned institution. Located along Vienna’s iconic Ringstraße and opposite the Natural History Museum, this grandiose art museum embodies the power, prestige, and artistic wealth of the Habsburg monarchy. The museum was founded in 1891 by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary as part of a grand vision to display the extensive Habsburg art collection to the public. Designed by renowned architects Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer, this Museum and its twin, the Naturhistorisches Museum, were meticulously planned to provide a fitting, opulent setting for the imperial collections.
Both museums feature a harmonious Renaissance Revival style with symmetrical sandstone façades, arched windows, and a distinctive octagonal dome, which rises to an impressive 60 meters. Inside, the museum is a visual masterpiece. The grand staircase boasts murals and intricate decorations that underscore the Habsburgs’ commitment to artistic excellence. Eminent 19th century artists such as Gustav Klimt, Ernst Klimt, Franz Matsch, Hans Makart, and Mihály Munkácsy contributed to the interior, creating an environment that blends architecture with fine art. The museum’s opulent halls, marble columns, and gilded stucco details leave no doubt that you are viewing one of the world’s most significant art collections.
This Museum houses many treasures, including the world's largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, as well as masterpieces by artists like Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, Vermeer, and Rembrandt.
Anchor Highlights At The Picture Gallery
Kunsthistorisches Museum. Using my 'anchor highlights', I always start with the picture gallery on the first floor. That grand staircase simply lifts visitors up right when they enter. At the gallery, expect the finest of Classical Europe from the past 500 years: Some of the Bruegels, Dürers and Italian Mannerists there merely escaped the 30-Year-War in the 17th century. Later on, Emperor Charles VI (Empress Maria Theresa's father) merged his Spanish art treasures with the collections in Vienna and Prague. Ever smiled about Arcimboldo's allegorical portraits? At the Vienna Art Museum you can see the originals of 'Summer' and 'Fire'. Another intriguing painting waits at the Flemish collection: a 'meta-painting' showing some of the paintings at the Museum.
On it is Habsburgs' Archduke William, whose collection has contributed massively to the museum's treasures. Among the Dutch painters, spend some time with Pieter Bruegel's world famous 'Tower of Babel'. And please search for my personal favourite among the Italian Renaissance artists, the 'arrow carving Amor' - you won't regret it.
What To Watch Out For At The Kunstkammer
Kunsthistorisches Museum. When the Habsburg Emperors display their home ware, decorative items and gadgets you get the finest of classical European craftsmanship on a gold tray. From wooden and stone sculptures to cameos, art and splendor come in different sizes and shapes. One of the most enchanting works is this Venetian relief from the early 16th century showing a young couple (see photo). What I actually love most about the collection are its exotic objects: the delicate ostrich egg chalice, a precious mug made from narwhal horn, and a pitcher from a Seychelles nut, beautifully carved and topped with rich gold decorations.
This photo shows Benvenuto Cellini's famous Saliera, a salt and pepper set displaying the personified Sea and Earth. In 2003, a local expert for burglar alarms stole Cellini's only verified gold work in a spectacular robbery. Three years later, the golden masterpiece appeared in a wooden box buried in a forest in the North of Vienna. Since then, the Cellini salt cellar has turned into the museum's showpiece.
Even gaming demanded art and beauty as the most intricately carved tric-trac board game proves. Sporting Habsburg King Ferdinand I and Polish King Ladislaus along with the world's top imperial rulers, the game board boasts the most delicate carvings and inlaid work.
Why See The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection?
Kunsthistorisches Museum. Whereas Egyptian collections are nothing extraordinary, the Habsburgs' early interest in them is: Some 200 years before Europe started to get into Egyptian culture the Habsburgs bought their first Egyptian artefacts in Alexandria. Subsequently, gifts and purchases extended the collection. Crown Prince Rudolph, Empress Sissi's son, for example, acquired numerous objects during his travels to Egypt. Complete with sarcophagi, sphinxes, and hieroglyph steles the Egyptian and Near Eastern collection is beautifully arranged. Notably, the Imperial museum architects paid their homage to the collection with Egyptian-style wall designs.
Extension: Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities
Kunsthistorisches Museum. Like with their Egyptian collection, the Habsburgs were early adopters of antiquities, reaching deep into their pockets to build the collection. Some 500 years ago, King Rudolf II, started off with a delicate cameo 'Gemma Augustea'. When Hofburg Palace's space finally burst with Greek and Roman artefacts, they even moved into Volksgarten for a while. I can totally see why the Habsburgs loved their acquisitions of Greek ceramics, statuettes and busts. At the Roman collection you will find amazingly vivid artwork, from tiny colourful mosaics to busts and portrait heads full of expression. Don't miss the cameos.
Café and Dining at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
At the Café im Kunsthistorischen Museum Wien, you can unwind in elegance under the magnificent dome. The café-restaurant situated beneath the museum’s grand dome offers the perfect pause for relaxation. Set in an elegant hall adorned with classical touches, this café combines style with comfort, featuring plush sofas and high tables by the windows that provide a beautiful view of Maria-Theresien-Platz. Moreover, in true Viennese coffee house fashion, the café serves a range of traditional delicacies crafted from high-quality ingredients, all served with a warm welcome. You can begin your cultural journey with a balanced breakfast here, available on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:00 to 12:00.
On Thursday evenings the café transforms into refined dining space. From 6:00 to 10:00 pm, you can enjoy a Gourmet Dinner for €69 per person, which includes a five-course menu accompanied by bread and butter, or opt for the Deluxe Dinner for €82, which adds a glass of champagne to the experience. For a more intimate experience, window-side tables are available with a three-course menu for €43. For special occasions, the museum partners with the prestigious Gerstner Catering & Events, bringing 175 years of Viennese tradition to each event.
Shopping at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
For those inspired by the art and history within the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, the museum shops offer a selection of fine art books, jewellery, textiles, stationery, toys and more. The KHM Museum Boutique, situated in the stunning dome hall, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Specializing in items inspired by the museum’s famous picture gallery, this boutique offers exquisite jewelry based on historical KHM models, elegant silk scarves, and art replicas. The KHM Museum Shop, located on the ground floor is a spacious, light-filled area inviting visitors to browse an extensive selection of products over 250 m².
Do You Need To Buy Kunsthistorisches Museum Tickets In Advance?
Since Kunsthistorisches is notoriously busy, avoid the queues and get your tickets online in advance, tickets starting from 21€. If you have a city pass, a discount or the full ticket price will be included. If you are particularly interested in certain collections, book a private tour in English on Thursday evenings for EUR 125 per tour. Email at kunstvermittlung@khm.at at least a week in advance to book.
Location: 1, Maria-Theresien-Platz
Opening Hours: Daily except Mon, 10.00am to 6.00pm, Thu 10.00am to 9.00pm.
Public Transportation: Underground U2; Tramways 1, 2, D
Tickets: book tickets, Or You can use Vienna Travel Card.
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