Klimt at the Burgtheater: Explore Gustav Klimt's Spectacular Ceiling Paintings and Theater Art

Explore the spectacular ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt and his collaborators Ernst Klimt and Franz Matsch in the Burgtheater's stairwells. These artworks, created between 1886 and 1888, depict scenes from the history of theater and can be viewed up close during exclusive tours.

This presentation at the Burgtheater offers a unique opportunity to view Gustav Klimt's spectacular ceiling paintings up close. Created between 1886 and 1888 alongside his brother Ernst Klimt and Franz Matsch, these ten artworks adorn the grand staircases, depicting scenes from the history of theater from antiquity to the late 19th century. Visitors can admire Klimt's 30-square-meter ceiling painting, 'Theater in Taormina,' and other works like 'Altar des Apollo,' 'Antiker Improvisator,' 'Mittelalterliche Mysterienbühne,' and 'Hanswurst auf der Jahrmarktsbühne.' The display, which includes a special 'Shakespeare's Globe Theatre' painting where all three artists are depicted as theatergoers, was created to mark the 250th anniversary of the Burgtheater and coincides with ongoing renovation work. Exclusive tours are available with a maximum of ten participants, allowing visitors to ascend onto the scaffolding for an intimate viewing experience. These tours begin at the Kaiserstiege and continue to the Angelika Prokopp Foyer, showcasing original design drawings. The Burgtheater itself, established in 1776, is one of Europe's oldest and largest spoken-word theaters. Special viewing opportunities for these Klimt masterpieces are accessible until June 2026.

Exclusive tours are offered with a maximum of ten participants. Information about tours and ticketing, including availability and booking for English tours, can be found at tickets.burgtheater.at. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear with non-slip soles for access to the scaffolding.