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Kunsthistorisches Museum: A Habsburg Legacy

Explore five millennia of art history in Vienna's magnificent Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to the Habsburgs' imperial collections.

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The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is a world-renowned art museum housing the extensive collections of the Habsburgs. With masterpieces spanning five millennia, from ancient Egypt to the late Baroque period, it offers a captivating journey through art history.

A brief summary to Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Local tips

  • Allow at least 3 hours to explore the museum's extensive collections.
  • Visit on Thursday for extended evening hours and a chance to dine in the Cupola Hall.
  • Don't miss the world's largest Bruegel collection and Cellini's Saliera.
  • Take a break at the café-restaurant in the domed lobby to admire the architecture.
  • Consider purchasing the 7 Museums Pass for access to other imperial collections.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Kunsthistorisches Museum is easily accessible by Vienna's efficient public transport system. Take the U-Bahn U2 or U3 to Volkstheater station, a 6-minute walk. Alternatively, tram lines 1, 2, or D stop at Burgring/Kunsthistorisches Museum, right by the museum. A single public transport ticket costs EUR 2.40. Day tickets are available for EUR 5.80.

  • Walking

    Located on Maria-Theresien-Platz in the heart of Vienna, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is within walking distance of many major landmarks. From the Hofburg Palace, walk southwest along the Ringstrasse for about 10 minutes. From the MuseumsQuartier, it's a short 5-minute walk north. Enjoy the stroll and admire the surrounding architecture.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Vienna. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Kunsthistorisches Museum typically costs between EUR 8 and EUR 20, depending on the distance and traffic. Taxi базовый fare starts at EUR 3.80, with additional charges per kilometer. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.

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Discover more about Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

The Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) stands as a testament to the Habsburg dynasty's passion for art and collecting. Commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I and built between 1871 and 1891, the museum was designed by Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer to house the imperial collections and make them accessible to the public. Its twin, the Natural History Museum, faces it across Maria-Theresien-Platz, creating a symmetrical architectural ensemble. Inside, the KHM is a treasure trove of artistic wonders. The Picture Gallery boasts masterpieces by Raphael, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Dürer, and Bruegel, including the world's largest collection of Bruegel's paintings. The Kunstkammer Vienna, reopened in 2013, displays rare and precious objects from the Habsburgs' former treasure chambers. The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection and the Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities offer fascinating insights into ancient cultures. The museum's architecture is as impressive as its collection. The grand stairway, adorned with paintings by Gustav Klimt, Ernst Klimt, and Franz Matsch, leads to lavishly decorated halls. The domed lobby houses a café-restaurant, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the atmosphere. With its vast and diverse collection, the Kunsthistorisches Museum offers an immersive experience for art lovers and history buffs alike.

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