Schau! The Belvedere Collection Exhibition: Exploring 800 Years of European Art and Society

This permanent collection exhibition at the Belvedere explores the interplay between art and society across 800 years of art history, from the Middle Ages to the 1970s. It moves beyond stylistic history to examine how artists responded to societal shifts, crises, and developments, with a special focus on self-portraits that reveal evolving artist identity.

The permanent collection presentation 'Schau! Die Sammlung Belvedere von Cranach bis Lassnig' delves into the complex relationship between art and society, moving beyond a purely art-historical stylistic narrative. It investigates how historical periods, political environments, migration, global connections, and economic conditions influenced artistic production and mirrored the complexities of their times. The exhibition highlights selected self-portraits within each collection area, using them as a guiding theme to illustrate the changing perceptions and self-understanding of artists across centuries, from anonymity and dependence to autonomy. The chronological tour guides visitors through the renowned Belvedere collection, encompassing 800 years of art history from the Middle Ages to the 1970s. It examines how artists engaged with their contemporary world, responding to upheavals and crises while simultaneously being agents of societal development. This approach offers a multifaceted view of artistic creation as a reflection of its era.

Information on exhibition tickets is available and visitors can purchase tickets online. The exhibition is located at the Upper Belvedere, which has specific opening hours.