Vienna is blessed when it comes to art museums and galleries to visit, but, if like the Tortoise, you’re a bit of philistine when it comes to art, but you feel compelled to one day plug that gigantic chasm for high culture that exists in your life, then this guide is for you! Nobody here wants to give you ‘museum fatigue’ on your precious city break, so we’re looking at six of the best Vienna art galleries and museums, so you can decide which one to visit, cos let’s face it, one is about the limit, isn’t it? I’ll also give you my recommendations for where to buy Vienna museum tickets ahead of time, as many of these exhibitions have limited space, especially the big hitters (yes, I’m referring to the ‘The Kiss‘). So, without further ado, here’s my top 7 Vienna art galleries and museums for dummies…
Top 7 Vienna Art Galleries and Museums
Kunsthistorisches Museum
First up, we have the Kunsthistorisches Museum, also known as the KHM. The stunning architecture of the museum is a work of art in itself, even before considering what it houses inside. The KHM boasts an extensive collection of European paintings from the Renaissance to the Baroque period, with much of it coming from the Habsburgs’ personal collection, including works by the likes of Vermeer, Rubens, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Rembrandt. They also have an extensive collection of ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian artifacts including mummies and sarcophagi. One of the museum’s most renowned pieces is Pieter Bruegel’s “The Tower of Babel”. They say it takes at least two full days to do the KHM justice. Rather you than me.
The Albertina
Arguably the biggest hitter of all the Vienna art galleries and museums, is the Albertina Museum, home to one of the largest and most significant collections of graphic art in the world. It’s collection is incredibly diverse, spanning centuries of history and styles, including works from some of the most famous artists of all time, such as Rembrandt, Picasso, Degas, Dürer, Klimt, and Schiele. If you’re a fan of Leonardo da Vinci, you’ll definitely want to check out the museum’s rare collection of his sketches and studies. The museum’s temporary exhibitions are also noteworthy, showcasing works by contemporary artists and exploring new trends in graphic art. They also have an undeniably impressive collection of photography.
The Belvedere
They (art people) say that the Belvedere is a must-visit for any fan of Austrian art, and Austria in general, as not only does it house the largest collection of Gustav Klimt in the world (as well as work from other Austrian luminaries Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka), but the museum complex is located in a gorgeous baroque palace, surrounded by typically ornate gardens and fountains. Split between two locations, the Upper Belvedere is home to some of the most iconic works, such as Klimt’s “The Kiss” and “Judith”, while the Lower Belvedere is where you’ll find temporary exhibitions that showcase the exploratory work of several contemporary artists. And when I say ‘exploratory’, I’m sure you know what I mean.
Kunst Haus Wien
The Kunst Haus Wien is a museum dedicated to the work of the artist, environmentalist and architect, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. In short, if you like Gaudi, then I reckon you’ll also like Hundertwasser. He’s my favourite of all the big Austrian artists, not least for his legit green credentials and commitment to sustainability, way before it was cool. Designed by Hundertwasser himself, the museum building is just as unique as the art it contains. Aside from the displays by Hundertwasser, the museum has work from other contemporary artists like Warhol and Yoko Ono and regular temporary exhibitions. Grab a drink in the cool backyard cafe and walk to the nearby ‘Hundertwasser Haus‘ housing project to see more of his quirky architecture. Freshly renovated as of Feb 2024.
Leopold Museum
Dedicated to Austrian modernism, the Leopold Museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, and graphic art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is home to the largest collection of works by Egon Schiele in the world, making it a must-visit for fans of the artist, and it includes works by Gustav Klimt, and Oskar Kokoschka, as well as other Austrian artists from the period. In sum, the Leopold has a huge collection of Viennese Secessionist art, including furniture and decorative arts, so if you’re a fan of art nouveau or the Wiener Werkstätte, this place is probably gonna be the most up your strasse of all the art galleries in Vienna to choose from.
Garden Palace Liechtenstein
The Garden Palace Liechtenstein in Vienna’s 9th district is home to one of the world’s most prestigious private art collections – the Liechtenstein Princely Collections. Highlights apparently include Baroque masterpieces by Rubens and van Dyck, Renaissance works by Raphael, Dutch Golden Age paintings by Rembrandt, as well as Baroque & Biedermeier furniture (including the world’s most expensive piece – the Badminton cabinet). This is all housed within typically lavish frescoed and stuccoed interiors inside the grand palace, which dates from 1700. If you’re interested in how the other half live, arrange a guided tour of the private collection directly through their website. Public tours in English take place only on Saturdays, otherwise you can book a private tour or join one of the daily German tours.
The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK)
The MAK, or the Museum of Applied Arts is a little different from the other Vienna art galleries on this list, as it focuses on design and applied arts. You’ll find everything from furniture to fashion and textiles to ceramics, with a particular emphasis on Viennese design. It has a collection spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum also features temporary exhibitions that explore the intersection of art and design, making it a good place to discover new and innovative artists (did I really just write that?!). It’s located right on Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse and has a wonderfully grandiose inner courtyard, as well as a very posh cocktail bar and restaurant, presumably for escapees that were dragged here under duress.
Where to buy Vienna museum tickets?
A good place to find tickets to most of Vienna’s most important museums (not just the art ones), is with Tiqets. Keep in mind that you may need to book yourself an allocated slot ahead of time, as the Belvedere, Albertina and the Kunsthistoriches Museum in particular, get extremely crowded, especially during the peak summer tourist months.
If you want to buy two, three, or even more (are you mad?!) Vienna museum tickets then check out their selection of mix and match discounted combo tickets, for example this Kunsthistoriches & Belevedere ticket, this Kunsthistoriches and Leopold Mueseum combo ticket, or a Belvedere and Albertina combo ticket. Alternatively, if none of those options are doing it for you, then build your own museum pass instead!
Vienna Art Museums & Galleries: Outro
Still stuck on the Albertina vs Kunsthistorisches? Can’t decide between the Belvedere or Leopold museum? Then let’s reduce the magnificent works of art by some of history’s most creative, abstract and passionate artists into just a few sentences…
- If you like European paintings, ancient art and antiquities, then the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) will tickle your fancy.
- If you’re into prints, drawings, and modern & contemporary art, then the Albertina wins hands down.
- If you’re a fan of Austrian art from the early 20th century, particularly Gustav Klimt, then the Belvedere will float your boat.
- If you want to explore the colorful and whimsical buildings, paintings & sculptures of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, then Kunst Haus Wien is your cup of tea.
- If you’re a fan of the Viennese secession and expressionism, then the Leopold Museum is right up your street.
- Whereas if you’re into design and applied arts from different cultures and time periods, then the MAK is gonna hit the spot.
So there you have it, whatever you’re into, the Viennese art scene has something for pretty much everyone. If you think you now know which of these art galleries in Vienna to visit, then congratulations – that is the first hurdle dealt with – now you’ve just gotta go there and endure it. Most of these museums/galleries do get very busy, especially in peak holiday season, so to avoid disappointment and get to the art faster then consider booking ahead. Life’s too short to queue (it’s also too short for art galleries though).
If you really can’t get enough art, and you want some in your hotel room too, then also check out my post on design hotels in Vienna. If you wanna go full high-brow, and double up with a concert, then my post about Vienna in winter has some ideas.
Alternatively, if, after reading this article, you’ve already had your fill of art, then perhaps it’s time to admit that you’re flogging a dead horse. Instead check out our sister company, Venture Vienna, for a host of cool outdoor activities and tours in and around Vienna and Lower Austria. And, for those of you who just wanna get the hell out of Vienna after all those nudes, check out my post on car rental in Austria.
Auf Wiedersehen meine Freunde!
Thank you – exactly the kind of guide I was looking for
You’re very welcome, Sue – and thanks for the feedback 🙂