Experience Klimt im Burgtheater: Gustav Klimt's Historic Ceiling Paintings in Vienna

Explore the impressive ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt, his brother Ernst, and Franz Matsch in the Burgtheater's staircases. Special guided tours offer a close-up view of these works, including Klimt's largest ceiling painting, 'Theater in Taormina'.

Gustav Klimt, along with his brother Ernst and the painter Franz Matsch, created the imposing ceiling paintings in the Burgtheater's staircases between 1886 and 1888. These artworks depict scenes from theater history, spanning from antiquity to the late 19th century. The trio of artists was highly sought after during this period, and they contributed a total of ten works to the Burgtheater. Exclusive guided tours, limited to a maximum of ten participants, offer visitors the opportunity to view these remarkable ceiling paintings up close until June 2026. This includes Gustav Klimt's "Theater in Taormina," his largest ceiling painting at 30 square meters. The tours also provide access to the Angelika Prokopp Foyer, where Klimt's original design drawings are exhibited. A highlight is the chance to ascend the scaffolding erected for renovation work on the left-hand staircase, allowing for a detailed examination of works such as "Altar des Apollo," "Antiker Improvisator," "Mittelalterliche Mysterienbühne" (all by Franz Matsch), and Ernst Klimt's "Hanswurst auf der Jahrmarktsbühne." The painting "Shakespeares Globetheater" notably features all three artists as theatergoers and includes Gustav Klimt's only painted self-portrait.

Guided tours are available in German and English, with written summaries in various languages. Tickets can be booked via the Burgtheater's official ticketing platform. A strict shoe policy (closed-toe, non-slip soles) is enforced for those on the scaffolding.