Vienna
Vienna · Old Master focus

Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery Vienna

A public gallery in Vienna featuring a renowned collection of old master paintings.

ArtHistoryArchitecture

Discover an extensive collection of 1,600 Old Master paintings at Vienna's Academy of Fine Arts Picture Gallery. Marvel at works by Dutch, Flemish, and Italian masters, including Hieronymus Bosch's "Last Judgment" altar, in a grand 19th-century building.

Explore 1,600 Old Master paintings from the 14th century onwards, featuring works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Bosch, and Titian, within a historic Viennese academy building.

Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery
About the Academy of Fine Arts Picture Gallery

The Academy of Fine Arts Picture Gallery in Vienna presents an extensive collection of 1,600 Old Master paintings, spanning from the 14th century to around 1800. Housed in a recently refurbished classical building, the gallery features significant pieces by Dutch and Flemish masters like Rubens, Rembrandt, and van Dyck. Visitors can also explore the renowned "Last Judgment" altar by Hieronymus Bosch, along with works by artists such as Titian, offering a comprehensive overview of European art history.

ornate building with arched windows and detailed stonework, surrounded by green trees and a street sign
Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery opening hours in Vienna

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Vienna.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
Academy of Fine Arts Picture Gallery Tickets

Admission to the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery in Vienna requires a ticket. Standard admission is available for visitors, with no explicit free entry options for children, students, seniors, or groups detailed in the available information. Visitors holding a Vienna City Card may be eligible for a 33% discount on their ticket.

Standard ticket

€12.00

Visitor amenities at the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery

The Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery is designed to be accessible to all visitors, offering step-free access via a dedicated side entrance and elevator facilities throughout the venue. Guests are welcome to visit with service animals, and standard admission tickets can be conveniently purchased directly on-site.

Elevator available

Available

Seeing eye dogs allowed

Available

Step-free side entrance

Available

Wheelchair accessible

Available
Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery in Vienna

The Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery is located at Schillerplatz 3 in Vienna, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its extensive collection of Old Master paintings within a historic Viennese academy building. Its central position makes it a significant cultural point within the city for those interested in European art history.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Schillerplatz 3

1010 Vienna

Wien, AT

Visiting the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery

When planning a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery in Vienna, be aware that the main entrance has 15 steps, though it includes a handrail for the visually impaired. For step-free access, a side entrance at Makartgasse 2 offers lift access; simply ring the bell. Seeing eye dogs are also permitted within the gallery.

Visiting the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery

Academy of Fine Arts Picture Gallery Experience

The Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery in Vienna showcases 1,600 Old Master paintings from the 14th to 19th century. Housed in a recently refurbished classical building on Schillerplatz, designed by Theophil Hansen, the gallery provides an elegant setting for its artistic treasures. Visitors can explore significant works by Dutch and Flemish masters such as Rubens, Rembrandt, and van Dyck. The collection also features Italian masterpieces by Titian and Francesco Guardi, highlighted by Hieronymus Bosch's renowned "Last Judgment" altar. This unique experience allows guests to immerse themselves in centuries of artistic legacy, encompassing diverse styles from the early Renaissance to Viennese classicism.

Gallery with framed artworks featuring autumn leaves on a white wall, arched windows, and wooden floors

History of the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery

The Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery, traces its origins to Vienna in 1688, initially established as a private institution. It was refounded in 1725 as the Imperial and Royal Court Academy under Emperor Charles VI, later undergoing significant reforms in 1751 during Empress Maria Theresa's rule, which greatly enhanced its *historical prestige*. The current building on Schillerplatz, designed by Theophil Hansen, officially opened in 1877. Its art collection received a foundational bequest in 1822, while the institution itself was designated the supreme government authority for the arts in 1872, eventually achieving university status in 1998.

  • Founded as a private academy

    1688Founding

    The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna was established in 1688 as a private institution, modeled after the Accademia di San Luca and the Parisian Académie de peinture et de sculpture. Its founder, court-painter Peter Strudel, was later ennobled by Emperor Joseph I.

  • Refounded as Imperial and Royal Court Academy

    1725Founding

    In 1725, Emperor Charles VI appointed Jacob van Schuppen as Prefect and Director, refounding the academy as the Imperial and Royal Court Academy of painters, sculptors and architecture.

  • Reformed under Maria Theresa

    1751Renovation

    A new statute reformed the academy in 1751 during the rule of Empress Maria Theresa, with its prestige growing during the deanships of Michelangelo Unterberger and Paul Troger. Further reforms to the organizational structure occurred in 1772.

  • Unified under Chancellor Kaunitz

    Founding

    Chancellor Wenzel Anton Kaunitz integrated all existing art academies into the Imperial and Royal Unified Academy of Fine Arts. The term 'unified' was later dropped from the name.

  • Art cabinet expanded by bequest

    1822Collection

    In 1822, the art cabinet saw significant growth with the bequest of honorary member Anton Franz de Paula Graf Lamberg-Sprinzenstein. His collection remains a foundational part of the art on display.

  • Supreme authority for arts approved

    1872Milestone

    In 1872, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria approved a statute that designated the academy as the supreme government authority for the arts.

  • Construction of new building on Ringstraße

    Construction

    A new building for the academy was constructed in the course of the layout of the Ringstraße boulevard, with plans designed by Theophil Hansen.

  • Inauguration of the current building

    1877Opening

    The present-day building on Schillerplatz in the Innere Stadt district was inaugurated on April 3, 1877. Interior works, including ceiling frescos by Anselm Feuerbach, continued until 1892.

  • Period of Nazi Germany influence

    1938-1945Historical period

    During the Anschluss and Nazi Germany's control from 1938 to 1945, the academy was compelled to dismiss Jewish staff and students, aligning with the Nuremberg Laws.

  • Reconstitution and confirmed autonomy

    1955Milestone

    Following World War II, the academy was reconstituted in 1955, and its autonomy was reconfirmed. Secretary Eduard von Josch was dismissed for being a Nazi Party member.

  • Achieved university status

    1998Milestone

    The academy obtained university status in 1998, although it has retained its original name. It is currently the only Austrian university not to include 'university' in its official title.

  • Library and etching cabinet holdings

    Collection

    The academy's library houses approximately 110,000 volumes, and its 'etching cabinet' (Kupferstichkabinett) contains around 150,000 drawings and prints, making it one of Austria's largest collections.

Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery: Your Curious Questions Answered

Ever wondered if the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery is open on Mondays? Or perhaps you're curious about the surprisingly spacious elevator for wheelchair access? We've gathered all the essential details and more to help plan your visit seamlessly.

What is the phone number for the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery?

The phone number for general inquiries at the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery is +43 1 588 162 201.

What is the email address for the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery?

The email address for general inquiries at the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery is [email protected].

How can I contact the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery?

You can contact the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery for general inquiries via phone at +43 1 588 162 201 or by email at [email protected]. Their official website is also available for information.

Does the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery have an official website?

Yes, the official website for the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery is https://www.kunstsammlungenakademie.at/.

Planning Your Visit to the Picture Gallery

The Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery offers accessible entry options for visitors. While the main entrance includes 15 steps, a step-free side entrance is available at Makartgasse 2. Guests can ring a bell at this entrance for access to a lift, which provides a direct route to the gallery located on the first floor. Seeing eye dogs are also welcome inside the gallery.

Visitor Fit at Academy of Fine Arts Picture Gallery

The Academy of Fine Arts Picture Gallery in Vienna welcomes visitors interested in art, history, and architecture, offering an extensive collection of Old Master paintings. The gallery is well-suited for individuals with accessibility needs, featuring a step-free side entrance and elevator access to the exhibition areas. Service animals, including seeing eye dogs, are also permitted within the gallery.

Academy of Fine Arts Picture Gallery Photos

Explore the visual splendor of the Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery in Vienna through these images. They reveal the museum's grand neoclassical facade, adorned with ornate details and arched windows. Inside, galleries feature either rich red or light neutral walls, alongside polished wooden floors, providing an elegant backdrop for classical Old Master paintings in gilded frames.

ornate building with arched windows and detailed stonework, surrounded by green trees and a street sign
Neoclassical building with arched windows, columns, and statues, surrounded by trees
Gallery room with paintings on light gray walls and wooden floors
gallery hall with artworks on light gray walls and wooden floors
Gallery room with red walls and framed paintings
Gallery with framed artworks featuring autumn leaves on a white wall, arched windows, and wooden floors
close-up of a still life painting with flowers in a dark vase
gallery room with paintings on red and white walls
Gallery room with red walls and classical paintings in gold frames
Classical sculptures in a gallery with arched ceilings
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