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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
10:00–21:00
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 17,000 relics, including a 4,000-year-old Egyptian burial chamber, mummies, sarcophagi, scarabs, pottery, jewellery, and other religious objects. 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 highlights Austria’s history when it was part of the Roman Empire. Its most unique and visually striking artifact is a beautiful 4th-century floor mosaic from a villa near Salzburg. You’ll also find intricately painted Greek vases, bronze statues of mythological figures, gold, silver, and bronze Roman jewellery, and ceramics from Cyprus.
Coin Collection
The Kunsthistorisches Museum's coin collection, one of the world's five largest, dates back to the mid-16th century. It holds 600,000 pieces, with 2,000 on display, including coins, paper currency, medals, and medallions from regions spanning Western Europe to Byzantium, Persia, and China.
Collection of Historic Musical Instruments
The museum’s Collection of Historic Musical Instruments dates back to the mid-16th century, when Archduke Ferdinand II began acquiring these treasures for the Habsburgs. The majority of the items hail from the late Italian Renaissance and early Baroque periods. If you're a music lover, you’ll recognize violins, lyres, harps, harpsichords, and fortepianos. The standout pieces though are the Rebecchino, a stringed instrument shaped like a female figure, the elegant Pedal Harp, and the whimsical flute clock.
Must-see exhibits at the Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Tower of Babel
Architecture of the Kunsthistorisches Museum
Constructed in the magnificent Neo-Renaissance style, the Kunsthistorisches Museum building showcases a harmonious blend of intricate detailing and majestic proportions.
The museum’s exterior features columns, arches, and decorative sculptures. Inside, opulent halls with high ceilings showcase frescoes and intricate stucco work, while the grand staircase, with its sweeping curves, adds to the building’s splendour.
The museum building, constructed along with the Natural History Museum Vienna, was the brainchild of visionary architect Gottfried Semper. Twenty years after the museum was built, Karl von Hasenauer oversaw its extension. His contributions, also in the Neo-Renaissance style, brought a sense of symmetry and harmony to the building’s design.
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.
How much time should I allocate for a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
Allow at least 3 hours to explore the museum’s galleries or 4–5 hours if you’re an art enthusiast. If you only have an hour or two to spend here, prioritize the Paintings Gallery and Kunstkammer for the must-see highlights.
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 (10am) on a weekday morning or in the late afternoon (around 2pm) 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?
Photography and videos for personal use are allowed in most areas of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, but flash and tripods are prohibited. Some exhibits also restrict photography, indicated by signs—check for these before taking pictures.
Are there any dining options at the museum
Yes, you can relax and enjoy Viennese coffee or indulge in delicious pastries in the Kunsthistorisches Museum cafe and restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to take a break during your visit.
