Kunsthistorisches Museum
Kunsthistorisches Museum
5 minutes read•Published on 22-11-2024
Situated in Vienna, Austria, the Kunsthistorisches Museum has been welcoming visitors since 1891. As a leading global art museum, it boasts a rich collection of artwork spanning many centuries. Visitors can expect to see works from famous artists like Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Durer, and Titian. A trip to the Kunsthistorisches Museum is like a journey through different eras and styles of art history.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the Kunsthistorisches Museum with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The Kunsthistorisches Museum, located in Vienna, Austria, is a world-renowned art museum. The museum was first opened in 1891 during the rule of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The aim was to showcase the Habsburgs' vast collections to all people. Notable architects Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer designed the museum's impressive building.
The museum's collections are widely varied, representing multiple cultures and time periods. It hosts a large picture gallery featuring art from famous artists like Raphael, Rembrandt and Rubens. Importantly, it holds the largest collection of Bruegel paintings in the world. The museum also exhibits Egyptian and Near Eastern Art, art from ancient Greece and Rome, old coins, arms and armors, and antique musical instruments.
The museum started a new phase in 2001, actively updating its organization and engagement with visitors. A major part of this process included digitizing the collections, which made art and culture easier to access for everyone. They also introduced a detailed and unique educational program to engage younger visitors and generate more interest in art history.
Nowadays, the Kunsthistorisches Museum stands as a symbol of Austria's rich cultural history, a reminder of its long-standing devotion to the arts. It continues to attract art enthusiasts from all over the globe and is a popular attraction for visitors to Vienna. Each year, millions of people flock to the museum to marvel at its masterpieces and gain insights into the civilizations represented there.
One reason to visit
The Tower of Babel
The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is worth visiting to view The Tower of Babel. This impressive painting was made by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in the year 1563. The subject of the painting is the Tower of Babel story from the Bible. The story tells us about a tower that was supposed to be so high, it would reach the sky. Unfortunately, the project had to be stopped because the builders started speaking different languages and couldnt understand each other. The painting is important as it offers us a view of life in the 16th century. Also, it demonstrates Bruegels ability to paint realistic and detailed pictures. The artwork is big and colorful, with so many small details that you could look at it for hours. Seeing this masterwork with your own eyes is something you wont forget.
Getting there
From the Vienna Central Station, head north towards Columbusplatz and continue straight onto Friedrichstraße. At the intersection, take a slight right onto Brauhausgasse, continue onto Gudrunstraße and then turn left at the first intersection onto Favoritenstraße. Head straight until you reach Karlsplatz, then walk towards Kärntner Straße via Operngasse. Continue walking down the Kärntner Straße, cross Ringstraße and you will see the Kunsthistorisches Museum straight ahead. Be aware that the walking route is approximately 4.5 km and can take around 56 minutes. Be sure to prepare appropriate footwear and refreshments.
Start your bike ride from Ostbahnhof, going west on the B1 street until you reach Triester Straße. Take this all the way until you see Schönbrunn Palace, then take a right turn onto Hietzinger Kai which later becomes Hadikgasse which later yet becomes Mariahilfer Straße. Stay on this route which is on B1 entire journey up to Museumsplatz 1, your destination. As an alternative, take bus 13A from Hietzinger Kai, get off at Burgring, Wien station and continue the rest of the way on foot to Museumsplatz 1. NOTE: Vienna's bike lanes are well-marked and should make navigation fairly easy. Remember to pack a lock for your bike once you reach the museum. A helmet and a reflector are also recommended for safety.
If you want to get to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna using public transport, first take the U3 metro line. You will need to get off at the stop named Volkstheater. Once you exit the metro station, you need to take bus number 2A or 57A. After riding the bus for a short distance, you will need to alight at the stop named Burgring. This stop is located just a short walk away from the museum. Follow the road named Maria-Theresien-Platz and you will see the museum in front of you. It is always a good idea to check the updated transport schedules before your journey.
If you're coming by car to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, you should take the motorway A1 westbound from the city center and use the exit towards Hütteldorf/ Zentrum. You'll then take the B1 exit onto the Hadikgasse, and continue on Linzerstraße, followed by turning right onto Maroltingergasse and left onto Strohzgasse. Follow the signs for the city centre/ Zentrum and continue onto B1/ Hadikgasse. Use the left lane to turn slightly left at Burgring, then the Kunsthistorisches Museum is on your right side, located at Maria-Theresien-Platz which is a must-see place.