Vienna
Completed

ISOTYPE: Exploring Vienna's Seminal Visual Language and Its Global Impact Exhibition

Trace Isotype's visual language evolution from Vienna, exploring its global impact on communication and design history.

This exhibition at Wien Museum delves into the profound history and enduring influence of Isotype, the innovative visual language born in Vienna. Visitors can explore how this pictographic system, pioneered by Otto Neurath, democratized knowledge and revolutionized communication from "Red Vienna" through its international adoption. Discover its lasting legacy in graphic design, art, and information transfer across the globe.

About ISOTYPE – die Bildsprache aus Wien at Wien Museum in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for ISOTYPE – die Bildsprache aus Wien at Wien Museum in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This exhibition explores the origins and international impact of Isotype, a visual language developed in Vienna for democratizing knowledge and communication. It traces its evolution from the "Red Vienna" era through its global use and contemporary relevance in knowledge transfer, graphic design, and art.

Curatorial context

In 1925, Vienna became a hub for revolutionizing the communication of science, society, and politics. The founding of the Society and Economy Museum by Otto Neurath aimed to democratize knowledge and pioneer new methods of visual communication. This led to the development of "Isotype" (International System of Typographic Picture Education) in the 1930s, a pictographic system that became a globally recognized visual language. The core team included graphic designer Marie Reidemeister and artist Gerd Arntz. The exhibition traces the trajectory of Isotype from its origins in "Red Vienna," through its international adoption, to its ongoing significance in knowledge dissemination, graphic design, and art. The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive catalog featuring over 40 international contributors. Isotype's political and democratic ideals, its memorable, essentialist symbols, and its aim to create an international visual language continue to inspire contemporary artists. The connection between visual communication, art, and politics is increasingly explored in exhibitions worldwide, focusing on the design and impact of symbols, and encouraging a critical engagement with modern information design and new media.

Admission and ticket notes

Admission prices are €8.00 for adults and €6.00 for concessions. Entry is free for individuals under 19 years old and on the first Sunday of every month. Further information on discounts is available in the visitor information section. A combi-ticket is also available.

ISOTYPE – die Bildsprache aus Wien key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for ISOTYPE – die Bildsprache aus Wien at Wien Museum in Vienna

Venue
Wien Museum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Nov 6, 2025 – Apr 5, 2026
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features contributions from artists such as Peter Alma, Gerd Arntz, Bernhard Cella, Nikolaus Fuchs, Wilfried Gerstel, Olaf Osten, Hermann Josef Painitz, Andrea Ressi, Christian Rupp, and August Tschinkel. Curated by Günther Sandner, Werner Michael Schwarz, and Susanne Winkler.
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