Background

Kunsthistorisches Museum: A Treasure Trove of Art History

Explore five millennia of art history at Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to masterpieces by Bruegel, Raphael, Vermeer, and more.

4.8

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

  • Visit during the weekdays, especially in the morning or early afternoon, to avoid large crowds.
  • Allow at least 3 hours to explore the museum's extensive collections.
  • Download the KHM Stories app for themed tours of the collection.
  • Don't miss the café-restaurant in the domed lobby for a unique dining experience.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and events.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Kunsthistorisches Museum is easily accessible by Vienna's efficient public transport system. Take the U-Bahn line U3 (orange line) to Volkstheater station, which is a 6-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, take tram lines 1, 2, or D to the Burgring stop, just a 2-minute walk away. Several bus lines also stop near the museum, including N25, N38, N46, N49, 57A, 48A, N60, and N66. A single ticket for public transport costs €2.40. Consider a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass for unlimited travel.

  • Walking

    Located in the heart of Vienna on Maria-Theresien-Platz, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is within walking distance of many major landmarks. From the Hofburg Palace, walk southwest along the Ringstrasse, then turn right onto Maria-Theresien-Platz. The museum is located on the east side of the square, opposite the Naturhistorisches Museum. From the MuseumsQuartier, simply walk east across Maria-Theresien-Platz.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Vienna and offer a convenient way to reach the Kunsthistorisches Museum. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between €10 and €20. Taxi fares start at €5.00, with an additional €1.4 per kilometer. Be sure the taxi is licensed and the meter is running.

Unlock the Best of Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Located on Maria-Theresien-Platz, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) was built in 1891 during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I to house the imperial family's vast art collections. Designed by Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer, the museum's architecture mirrors the Natural History Museum across the square, creating a stunning visual symmetry. The museum's collection is one of the most significant in the world, showcasing treasures from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Highlights include the world's largest collection of paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, masterpieces by Raphael, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Caravaggio, and the Kunstkammer, filled with rarities from the Habsburgs' treasure chambers. The Kunsthistorisches Museum is more than just a museum; it's a complete work of art. The building's interior is lavishly decorated with marble, stucco, and murals, including Gustav Klimt's paintings on the grand stairway. The domed lobby houses a café-restaurant, offering a unique setting to enjoy a meal surrounded by art. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events, making it a vibrant cultural hub.

Popular Experiences near Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Popular Hotels near Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Select Currency