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Explore the Habsburg Imperial Art Collections at Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Vienna

Uncover magnificent art treasures and ancient artifacts spanning five millennia at this grand Vienna museum.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien is renowned for housing the immense artistic wealth accumulated by the Habsburg dynasty over centuries. Visitors can delve into diverse collections, from Western European old masters and ancient Egyptian artifacts to exquisite Kunstkammer treasures. This magnificent institution offers a profound journey through art history, showcasing pivotal works in a truly grand setting in Vienna.

About Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien at Am Hof Square in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien at Am Hof Square in Vienna

Exhibition summary

The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna showcases the vast collections of the Habsburgs, featuring art treasures spanning five millennia from antiquity to the late Baroque. Housed in a magnificent building on the Ringstrasse, it presents masterpieces by old masters, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and much more.

Curatorial context

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (KHM) is one of the world's most significant museums, housing thousands of artworks accumulated by the Habsburg dynasty over centuries. The collections range from antiquity to the late Baroque, encompassing paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and goldsmith works, alongside curiosities and unique items. The museum building itself, commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph as part of the city's expansion and the construction of the Wiener Ringstraße, was opened in 1891 and stands as a testament to historical grandeur. Its various departments are renowned globally: the Picture Gallery boasts numerous masterpieces by Western European old masters from the 14th to 18th centuries, including works by Raphael, Vermeer, Velazquez, Bruegel, and Titian. The Kunstkammer, a 'museum within a museum,' displays precious objects from the former Habsburg treasuries and cabinets of curiosities, featuring highlights like Rudolf II's collection and Cellini's famous Saliera. Additionally, the museum houses the Collection of Antiques, the Egyptian-Oriental Collection, and the Coin Collection, offering glimpses into ancient cultures. The museum also hosts major special exhibitions throughout the spring and autumn, often combining its own collection pieces with international loans.

Admission and ticket notes

General admission tickets are available on-site. Special offers include a discount with the Vienna City Card and a specific discount for the 'Kunstschatzi goes ESC!' event. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours on Thursdays, and special opening hours on public holidays.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien at Am Hof Square in Vienna

Venue
Am Hof Square
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
The museum's collections feature works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Vermeer, Velazquez, Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian, Tintoretto, Arcimboldo, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Gustav Klimt (whose ceiling paintings adorn the grand staircase alongside works by Ernst Klimt, Franz Matsch, and Hans Makart).
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