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Theseus Temple Vienna: Annual Contemporary Art Exhibition Series

Discover significant contemporary artworks presented annually in Vienna's historic Theseus Temple by leading cultural institutions.

Explore the annual contemporary art exhibition series at Vienna's historic Theseus Temple, a significant collaboration by the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Weltmuseum Wien. This neoclassical structure, built between 1819 and 1823, offers a distinctive setting for showcasing a single prominent contemporary artwork. Visitors enjoy free admission to these presentations, with the next display scheduled to open on May 29, 2026.

About Theseus Temple at Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Theseus Temple at Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna in Vienna

Exhibition summary

Since 2012, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Weltmuseum Wien have annually presented a significant work of contemporary art within the historic Theseus Temple. The neoclassical structure, built between 1819-1823, was originally designed to house Antonio Canova's 'Theseus Slaying the Centaur'. The temple is currently closed but will reopen for its next presentation on May 29, 2026, offering free admission.

Curatorial context

The Theseus Temple in Vienna's Volksgarten serves as a unique venue for an annual contemporary art exhibition, a collaboration between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Weltmuseum Wien. This tradition, established in 2012, involves presenting one important work of contemporary art within the neoclassical structure. The temple itself, constructed between 1819 and 1823 from plans by Peter von Nobile, was originally built to house Antonio Canova's marble masterpiece, 'Theseus Slaying the Centaur', which was later moved to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Visitors are offered free admission to experience the contemporary artwork. The temple is currently closed, with the next presentation scheduled to begin on May 29, 2026. The venue's historical significance and serene setting provide a distinguished backdrop for showcasing modern artistic creations, continuing its legacy of housing significant cultural pieces.

Admission and ticket notes

Admission to the Theseus Temple presentations is free. The venue is currently closed until May 2026.

Theseus Temple key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Theseus Temple at Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna in Vienna

Venue
Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From May 29, 2026
Artist line / attribution
Information not currently available
Vienna

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