Kunsthistorisches Museum Opening Hours

Timings

Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is open from 10am to 6pm between Monday and Sunday. Only on Thursday, the museum is open until 9pm.

Jan - Mar

Apr - Jun

Jul - Sep

Oct - Dec

Feb 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Feb 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday (Today)	10:00am–6:00pm
Tuesday	10:00am–6:00pm
Wednesday	10:00am–6:00pm
Thursday	10:00am–9:00pm
Friday	10:00am–6:00pm
Saturday	10:00am–9:00pm
Sunday	10:00am–6:00pm

Jan 1 TO Jan 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Jan 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	10:00am–6:00pm
Tuesday	10:00am–6:00pm
Wednesday	10:00am–6:00pm
Thursday	10:00am–9:00pm
Friday	10:00am–6:00pm
Saturday	10:00am–9:00pm
Sunday	10:00am–6:00pm

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is open daily from June to August, with the coin cabinet only opening on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Best time to visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays: The Kunsthistorisches Museum is generally less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning and early afternoon. This allows for a more intimate experience, where you can enjoy the paintings without large groups around. School groups tend to visit more on weekdays, but they typically move quickly through the museum, so they won’t significantly impact your overall experience.
Weekends: The museum is significantly busier on weekends, particularly during the afternoon. Both tourists and locals flock to the museum, which can make some galleries crowded and noisy. Expect longer lines at the entrance and more people in popular sections. You may also chance upon special events or guided tours on weekends.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Peak season vs Low season

Peak (June to August): The museum attracts a large number of visitors, especially in the afternoons and on weekends. The galleries are crowded and you will find longer lines at the entrance, however, you can take advantage of the longer daylight hours and explore other nearby attractions.
Shoulder (March to May & September to November): These months offer cooler temperatures and are ideal for exploring museums in the city.
Low (December to February): December sees an uptick in visitors, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, when tourists flock to Vienna for the holiday markets. After the holiday rush, the museum is much quieter, providing an almost private viewing experience in some galleries.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at the Kunsthistorisches Museum?

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is a vast museum spanning three floors, each with several exhibition rooms. With over 4,000 paintings and nearly 20,000 decorative objects and antiquities on display, you’ll need at least 3 hours to explore the extensive collection without rushing.

If you’re an art and art history enthusiast, you might want to spend longer exploring the artworks, particularly those by European masters like Raphael, Brueghel, Klimt, Rembrandt, Titian, Rubens, and Caravaggio. The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of paintings by Johannes Vermeer.

Other must-see exhibits include the ancient Egyptian collection, the Greek and Roman artifacts, and Kunstkammer Wien (the Cabinet of Wonders), which houses some of the most precious treasures collected by Vienna’s Habsburg rulers.

Frequently asked questions about the Kunsthistorisches Museum opening hours

Is the Kunsthistorisches Museum open on all days?

Yes, you can visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum every day of the week. The opening hours are from 10am to 6pm except on Thursday and Saturday, when the museum stays open from 10am to 9pm.

When is the Kunsthistorisches Museum closed?

The museum is usually open on all days. However, closures may on some days in the year for repairs or maintenance work. Check the schedule on the museum’s website before planning your visit.

How can I avoid crowds at the museum?

To avoid crowds, visit on weekday mornings, soon after the museum opens. Thursday evenings are also a good time as the museum stays open until 9pm. If you’re visiting on weekends and holidays, when the museum is typically busier, arrive early in the day so you can explore the exhibits before the crowds increase.

Should I visit the museum on a public holiday?

If you visit the museum on a public holiday, you’re likely to encounter larger crowds and longer ticket queues. Keep in mind that the Kunsthistorisches Museum opening hours on holidays may vary from the usual schedule.

How long should I plan to spend at the museum?

You’ll need at least 3 hours to explore all the exhibits at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. However, its collection is quite extensive and comprises some of the most significant European artworks. If you’re an art enthusiast, it can easily take you 5 to 6 hours to fully enjoy all the exhibits.

Is there a limit on how long I can spend at the museum?

There is no time limit for visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Once you enter, you can take as long as you like to explore the exhibits within the working hours.

Should I book tickets in advance?

Yes, it’s best to purchase your Kunsthistorisches Museum tickets online in advance to secure your entry. This also saves you the time of waiting in long ticket queues on the day of your visit, especially during popular exhibitions. Tickets tend to sell quickly during the peak season (June to August), so booking ahead guarantees your spot.