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Contents
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien | History, Collections, & Must-See Exhibits
The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is a treasure trove of art and culture. Established by Emperor Franz Joseph I, it showcases a magnificent collection spanning centuries. It is renowned for its Ren...
Also Known As
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
Founded On
1891
Founded By
Gottfried Semper
Quick Information
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Timings
10:00–18:00
TICKETS
From € 21
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
2
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
The Klimt brothers’ frescoes: Gustav Klimt, along with his brother Ernst Klimt, were commissioned to create frescoes for the museum's grand staircase. However, Gustav's unconventional and avant-garde style clashed with the museum's conservative tastes, leading to controversy and criticism.
The Kunstkammer Cabinet: The Kunsthistorisches Museum's Kunstkammer Wien, or Chamber of Art and Wonders, houses an extraordinary collection of curiosities and rarities collected by the Habsburgs over centuries. Among its treasures are intricate mechanical automata, exotic natural specimens, and precious objects from around the world.
The Mystery of the Cellini Salt Cellar: One of the museum’s most famous artifacts is the Cellini Salt Cellar, a masterpiece of Renaissance goldsmithing crafted by Benvenuto Cellini in the 16th century. In 2003, the salt cellar was stolen from the museum but was miraculously recovered three years later buried in a forest in Austria.
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Kunsthistorisches Museum collections
Picture Gallery
The Kunsthistorisches Museum’s Picture Gallery is a stunning collection of 16th and 17th-century European masterpieces, featuring works by artists like Rembrandt, Titian, Rubens, and Vermeer. It showcases a wide range of styles, from Renaissance to Baroque, taking visitors on a journey through four centuries of art history. It’s a visual feast of color, emotion, and technique.
Kunstkammer Wien
The Kunstkammer holds the Habsburg rulers’ imperial treasures collected over 1,000 years. The collection comprises over 2,000 rare and beautiful objects that range from ancient figurines and intricate gold sculptures to bizarre mechanical devices and elaborate clocks. They showcase the era’s blend of artistic exploration, scientific curiosity, and excellent craftsmanship.
Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection
Nine galleries at the museum are dedicated to artifacts from ancient Egypt, Nubia, Mesopotamia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Comprising more than 17,000 relics, this collection includes a real 4,000-year-old Egyptian burial chamber, mummies, sarcophagi, and scarabs. You’ll also find pottery, jewellery, clothes, religious objects, and grave goods on display. The statuette of a blue Hippopotamus is one of the finest examples of fine glazed pottery from this period.
Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities
The Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities is one of the most visually impressive exhibits at the museum. Clever use of lighting highlights intricately painted Greek vases, bronze statues of gods and mythological figures, gold, silver, and bronze Roman jewellery, and ceramics from Cyprus. The collection’s Austrian connection is emphasized in one of its most unique artifacts: a 4th-century floor mosaic from a villa near Salzburg.
Coin Collection
The Kunsthistorisches Museum’s coin collection is among the five largest coin collections in the world. Dating back to the mid-16th century, it contains about 600,000 pieces, of which 2,000 are on permanent display. You’ll find not only coins of various styles, metals, and value, but also paper currency, medals, and medallions. These exhibits originate from a vast geographic area, from Celtic coins in Western Europe to those from Byzantium, Persia, and China in the East.
Collection of Historic Musical Instruments
The museum’s Collection of Historic Musical Instruments dates back to the mid-16th century, when Archduke Ferdinand II first began adding them to the Habsburg treasures. The bulk of the items are from the late Italian Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Music lovers will be thrilled to see various violins, lyres, harps, harpsichords, and fortepianos. The most striking pieces include the Rebecchino, a stringed instrument shaped like a female figure, an elegant Pedal Harp, and a whimsical “flute clock”.
Must-see exhibits at the Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Tower of Babel
Who built the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer created a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate visitors with its architectural splendor and serves as a fitting backdrop for the museum’s magnificent art collections.
Gottfried Semper
Gottfried Semper, a visionary architect, brought his innovative ideas to the construction of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Semper believed in creating architectural masterpieces embodying the spirit of the collections they housed. His design for the museum reflected this vision, combining grandeur and elegance in a Neo-Renaissance style. Semper's other notable works include the Semper Opera House in Dresden, renowned for its exquisite detailing and harmonious proportions. His influence on the museum's architecture is evident in its intricate façade and its overall sense of majesty.
Karl von Hasenauer
Karl von Hasenauer, the architect responsible for the museum's extension, added his own touch of grandeur to the project. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to preserving Semper's vision, von Hasenauer seamlessly integrated his work with the original structure. His architectural style, also Neo-Renaissance, brought a sense of symmetry and harmony to the museum's design. Notably, von Hasenauer's impressive contributions extend beyond the museum, as he was also involved in creating other Viennese landmarks, including the Burgtheater and the Vienna City Hall.
Frequently asked questions about the Kunsthistorisches Museum
How big is the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
The Kunsthistorisches Museum spans over 60,000 square meters of exhibition space, making it one of the largest and most renowned museums in Vienna. Its impressive layout includes multiple galleries showcasing art, artifacts, and collections from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the European Renaissance and Baroque periods.
What are some of the most famous exhibits or artifacts on display?
The Kunsthistorisches Museum houses masterpieces by Europe’s most celebrated 16th and 17th century painters, including Titian, Vermeer, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Caravaggio, as well as the largest collection of works by Bruegel. The other famous collection is the Kunstkammer, which features extremely rare treasures and curiosities from the Habsburg Empire, including objets d’art, ornate clocks, scientific instruments, and precious jewels. Its collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts, as well as its coin collection are not to be missed.
How much time should I allocate for a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
With its vast and fascinating collections, you’ll need at least 3 hours to view all the galleries at the museum. For art enthusiasts, we recommend setting aside 4–5 hours to fully explore and enjoy the exhibits. If you’re short on time, prioritize the Paintings Gallery and the Kunstkammer for a highlights tour.
What are the museum’s opening hours?
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm, except on Thursdays, when it stays open until 9pm.
Is the museum accessible by wheelchair?
Yes, the museum is fully accessible for visitors who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility. It has barrier-free accessible elevators, ramps, and restrooms to ensure all visitors can easily navigate the building. Wheelchairs are available to rent free of charge (with prior booking), and staff are available to assist where needed.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended that you book your Kunsthistorisches Museum tickets online in advance, particularly during the peak season from June to August.
What is the best time to visit the museum to avoid crowds?
Plan your visit at the opening time on a weekday morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the mid-morning crowds. Thursday evenings are also ideal as the museum stays open until 9pm, allowing you to explore the exhibits with fewer people around.
Is photography allowed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
Yes, you can take pictures and videos for personal use in most areas of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. However, flash photography and the use of tripods are forbidden. Additionally, photography is not permitted for certain exhibits to protect the artwork. These are indicated by signs, so be sure to check for specific photography restrictions.
Are there any dining options at the museum
Yes, the museum has a delightful café and restaurant where you can relax and enjoy Viennese coffee or indulge in delicious pastries. It’s the perfect spot to take a break during your visit.
