Experience 'Ein Kuss macht Geschichte': Gustav Klimt's The Kiss and Golden Era Masterpieces at Upper Belvedere

This exhibition at the Upper Belvedere features Gustav Klimt's most famous painting, 'The Kiss,' renowned for its gilded ornamentation. It explores the context surrounding the artwork, including theories about the depicted couple and Klimt's connection to Emilie Flöge, as well as other significant works by Klimt held by the Belvedere.

The Upper Belvedere proudly displays Gustav Klimt's iconic masterpiece, 'The Kiss' (180 x 180 cm), a highly ornamented work lavishly enhanced with gold and silver leaf. This exhibition delves into the rich context of the painting, including prevalent rumors suggesting the couple depicted might be Klimt himself and his lifelong companion, Emilie Flöge. Their connection, initiated through Klimt's brother, led to collaborations where Klimt and Kolo Moser designed for Flöge's fashion salon, which flourished with up to 80 seamstresses at its peak. Klimt's support and his portrayals of Emilie propelled 'die Flöge' into Viennese society and art history, though his romantic interests extended beyond her. Acquired in 1908 by the 'Moderne Galerie' and now permanently exhibited in the Upper Belvedere, 'The Kiss' represents the zenith of Klimt's 'golden' period. The Belvedere also houses other celebrated works from this era, such as 'Judith I,' 'Portrait of Johanna Stauden,' 'Adam and Eve,' and numerous striking landscape depictions, primarily of the Attersee and its surroundings in Austria's Salzkammergut, a region Klimt frequented each summer from 1900 onwards. Klimt's passion for painting in nature is evident in his letters, detailing disciplined days dedicated to his art during his summer retreats. While his landscapes may lack the exuberant ornamentation of his 'golden' paintings, they retain a decorative quality, with experts terming their compositions of foliage and floral patterns as 'painted mosaics.' Gustav Klimt passed away on February 6, 1918, and is interred in an honorary grave at the Hietzing Cemetery.

For groups of 10 or more, advance booking of a time slot for the Upper Belvedere is mandatory. Specific booking emails and phone numbers are provided. Discounts are available with the Vienna City Card, offering reductions on daily ticket prices for the Upper Belvedere and combined tickets. General opening hours are daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.