Vienna
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The "Fleisch" Exhibition: Exploring Meat's Complex History and Cultural Impact at Wien Museum

This special exhibition at Wien Museum traces meat's journey from historical sustenance to contemporary ethical and environmental considerations.

The thought-provoking "Fleisch" exhibition at Wien Museum invites visitors to delve into the intricate history of meat consumption. Explore its multifaceted role as food, cultural artifact, and symbol of identity and status across centuries in Vienna. The exhibit connects historical context, from vanished professions to traditional dishes, with urgent contemporary debates surrounding animal welfare, transport, and climate change.

About Fleisch at Wien Museum in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Fleisch at Wien Museum in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This special exhibition at the Wien Museum delves into the multifaceted history of meat, from its role as sustenance and cultural artifact to its expression of identity and status. It traces the journey of meat from stall to plate, exploring vanished professions, historical dishes, and societal challenges.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'Fleisch' (Meat) at the Wien Museum tackles the emotional and complex topic of meat consumption, which has long been more than just food, serving as an expression of identity and status. Tracing its history in Vienna, a historical hub for cattle trade and later meat production, the exhibition covers its journey from the stall to the plate. It highlights vanished professions and dishes, and explores advertising and gender roles, connecting historical context with contemporary challenges surrounding animal welfare, transport, and climate change. The exhibition investigates how meat has shaped society, noting Vienna's unique position with both high consumption and early movements for animal protection and vegetarianism. It aims to foster discussion on the future of meat-eating, presenting a balanced view that acknowledges its cultural significance while addressing modern ethical and environmental concerns. Curated by Jakob Lehne and Sarah Pichlkastner, with architectural design by Robert Rüf and graphic design by Nofrontiere Design, the exhibition seeks to make the often-overlooked aspects of meat production and consumption visible.

Admission and ticket notes

Tickets are available for €12.00 (reduced €10.00), with free admission for those under 19 and on the first Sunday of each month. Combined tickets are also offered. Information about discounts can be found in the visitor information section. The exhibition runs from October 2, 2025, to February 22, 2026. Opening hours vary by day, with extended hours on Thursdays until 9:00 PM and closures on specific holidays. Information about accessibility, including content in Easy Language and Austrian Sign Language, is available in the digital guide. Anfahrt information for public transport and Google Maps is provided on the page; the specific address is Karlsplatz 8, 1040 Vienna. Please refer to the official website for the most current opening hours and ticketing details, as prices and availability may change. All exhibition chapter texts are available in Easy Language and Austrian Sign Language via the digital guide on the Wien Museum website.

Fleisch key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Fleisch at Wien Museum in Vienna

Venue
Wien Museum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Oct 2, 2025
Artist line / attribution
Curators: Jakob Lehne, Sarah Pichlkastner. Exhibition Architecture: Robert Rüf. Exhibition Graphics: Nofrontiere Design.
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