For many people, navigating your way through the plethora Vienna art galleries and museums isn’t exactly straightforward. If, like the Tortoise, you’re a bit of philistine when it comes to art, but you feel compelled to one day attempt to plug that gigantic chasm for high culture that exists in your life, then this post is for you. For the museums and art galleries in Vienna are among the best in the world, but with so many options to choose from, it can be tough to work out which is most likely to match your tastes, or where to even start. In this guide, we look at six of the best Vienna art galleries, leading you through the labyrinth of the city’s art scene to help you decide which one to visit, cos let’s face it, one is about all of our limit isn’t it?So, to make the most of your stay in the city, and to prevent you from suffering from the all too familiar ‘museum fatigue’, check out our top 6 Vienna art galleries and museums to choose from. Word to the wise – it might be worth securing your tickets ahead of time as these places have limited space and allocations at various times, especially those exhibiting the big hitters (yes, I’m referring to the ‘The Kiss‘).
Six of the best Vienna Art Galleries and Museums
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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’, you probably know exactly what I mean.
4. 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 coffee in the quirky cafe and walk to the nearby ‘Hundertwasser Haus‘ housing project to see more of his quirky architecture. Has just been freshly renovated as of February 2024.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Vienna art museums and galleries: a very reductionist summary
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! 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). And, if you really can’t get enough of art, then check out my post on boutique hotels in Vienna.
Alternatively, if, after reading this article you’ve already had your fill of art, and you’ve realised that you’re flogging a dead horse, then check out Venture Vienna for a whole host of cool outdoor activities and tours in and around the Austrian capital.
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