Belvedere Barockmuseum: A Guide to Baroque Art, History, and Collection Highlights
Explore masterworks from the Baroque period and the museum's post-war reopening at this permanent exhibition.
The Barockmuseum at Belvedere showcases an important collection of Baroque art, featuring renowned artists such as Franz Xaver Messerschmidt and Paul Troger. This exhibition details the museum's fascinating history, including its significant reopening in 1953 after World War II, establishing it as a cornerstone for 18th-century Austrian art and cultural heritage within the institution. Visitors can delve into the evolution of the Belvedere's collection during this pivotal period.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Barockmuseum at Belvedere in Vienna
Exhibition summary
The Barockmuseum at Belvedere reopened on February 4, 1953, after World War II, becoming the first part of the museum to be accessible again. It features significant works from the Baroque period, including pieces by Paul Troger and Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, and highlights the museum's collection history.
Curatorial context
Following the damages sustained during World War II, the Barockmuseum at Belvedere was the first section of the institution to be renovated and reopened to the public on February 4, 1953. Its re-establishment marked a significant step in the museum's recovery and its commitment to preserving and presenting its collection. The initial presentation highlighted important works, including "Character Heads" by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, a portrait of the Pálffy family by Martin van Meytens the Younger, and notable pieces by Georg Raphael Donner, Paul Troger, Martin Johann Schmidt, Johann Christian Brand, and Franz Anton Maulbertsch. This space serves as a dedicated venue for the museum's significant holdings from the Baroque era.
The museum's reopening and its initial display reflect the historical context of post-war cultural restoration. The presence of specific artists and artworks mentioned, such as Paul Troger's "Offenbarung des Messias aus der Jungfrau" (Revelation of the Messiah from the Virgin) and Messerschmidt's "Character Heads," underscores the museum's focus on this particular artistic period. The involvement of figures like Karl Garzarolli-Thurnlackh as director, alongside contributors Hans Aurenhammer and Fritz Novotny, further contextualizes the museum's operational and curatorial efforts during this period.
Admission and ticket notes
As the Barockmuseum is part of the permanent collection at Belvedere, access is typically included with general admission to the museum. Visitors are directed to official Belvedere ticketing information for current details on admission.
Barockmuseum key exhibition facts
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Barockmuseum at Belvedere in Vienna
Venue
Belvedere
Current status
Permanent collection
Exhibition schedule
Permanent display (no announced closing date)
Artist line / attribution
Features works by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, Martin van Meytens the Younger, Georg Raphael Donner, Paul Troger, Martin Johann Schmidt, Johann Christian Brand, and Franz Anton Maulbertsch. Directed by Karl Garzarolli-Thurnlackh, with contributions from Hans Aurenhammer and Fritz Novotny.
Vienna
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