Museum Gugging: Art Brut Center

Museum Gugging is more than just a museum; it's a vibrant center for Art Brut, situated in the serene Vienna Woods near Klosterneuburg. The museum is part of the Art Brut Center Gugging, which encompasses the House of Artists, galerie gugging, and atelier gugging. This unique setting fosters an environment where art and life intertwine. The museum's collection focuses on Art Brut, a term coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet to describe art created outside the boundaries of academic training and mainstream culture. The museum's core is the work of the Gugging Artists, individuals who live and work at the House of Artists, a residential community for people with mental illnesses. These artists, including names like August Walla, Oswald Tschirtner, and Johann Hauser, have gained international recognition for their unique and powerful artistic expressions. The museum's exhibitions showcase not only the works of the Gugging Artists but also pieces by other international Art Brut artists. This provides visitors with a broad understanding of the Art Brut movement and its diverse manifestations. The museum also emphasizes modern and approachable art education, making it accessible to a wide audience. Historically, the site was home to the Lower Austrian State Neurological Hospital East – Klosterneuburg-Gugging, founded in 1885. In the 1950s, psychiatrist Leo Navratil began using drawing tests for diagnostic purposes, which led to the discovery of the artistic talents of some patients. This eventually led to the establishment of the Center for Art and Psychotherapy in 1981 and later the House of Artists. The museum itself was opened in 2006 by Johann Feilacher and Nina Katschnig. Today, Museum Gugging stands as a testament to the power of art as a form of expression and a means of integration. It offers visitors a chance to engage with art in a unique and thought-provoking setting, surrounded by the beauty of the Vienna Woods.