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Kunsthistorisches Museum: A Treasure Trove of Art History

Explore five millennia of art history in Vienna's magnificent Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to masterpieces from ancient Egypt to the Baroque period.

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The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is a world-renowned art museum housing the extensive collections of the Habsburgs. Located on Maria-Theresien-Platz, its magnificent building showcases masterpieces spanning five millennia, from ancient Egypt to the late Baroque period.

A brief summary to Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-9 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 3 hours to explore the museum's extensive collections.
  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Take advantage of the audio guide service to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
  • Don't miss the stunning staircase adorned with murals by Gustav Klimt and other artists.
  • Enjoy a coffee or meal at the café-restaurant in the domed lobby.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Maria-Theresien-Platz is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U2 or U3 subway lines to Volkstheater or MuseumsQuartier station. Tram lines 1, 2, D, or 71 also stop at Ring/Volkstheater or Burgring. A single subway or tram fare is approximately €3.

  • Walking

    From the city center, such as Stephansplatz, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a pleasant 15-minute walk via the Ringstrasse. Follow the signs towards Maria-Theresien-Platz. No costs involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-share from Vienna's main train station (Wien Hbf) to the Kunsthistorisches Museum takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is €7-€9.

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Discover more about Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

The Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) in Vienna stands as a testament to the Habsburg dynasty's passion for art and culture. Emperor Franz Joseph I commissioned its construction in the late 19th century to house the imperial collections, which had previously been scattered across various locations. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1891, quickly becoming Austria's largest art museum and one of the most important museums worldwide. The museum's building, designed by Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer, is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Its Renaissance Revival facade, adorned with an octagonal dome, mirrors the design of the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum) across Maria-Theresien-Platz. The interiors are lavishly decorated with marble, stucco, and murals, including works by Gustav Klimt, Ernst Klimt, and Franz Matsch on the grand staircase. The Kunsthistorisches Museum boasts an impressive collection of art from various periods and regions. The Picture Gallery features masterpieces by European artists from the 14th to 18th centuries, including Raphael's "Madonna in the Meadow," Vermeer's "The Art of Painting," and works by Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian, and Caravaggio. The museum also houses the world's largest collection of paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. In addition to paintings, the museum's collections include sculptures, tapestries, decorative arts, and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Highlights include the Kunstkammer of Emperor Rudolf II and the famous "Saliera" by Benvenuto Cellini. Visitors can explore the museum's vast collections through various exhibitions and guided tours. The museum also offers a café-restaurant in its domed lobby, providing a space for relaxation and refreshment.

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