Kunsthistorisches Museum - Fine Art Museum
Vienna
At a glance
The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna is one of the city’s most iconic art museums. Built in the late 1800s under Emperor Franz Joseph I, it was designed to house and display the vast art collections of the Habsburg dynasty. Today, it offers a fascinating look into centuries of European culture, all in an impressive setting on the Ringstrasse.
What to See in the Picture Gallery
The museum’s Picture Gallery is best known for its collection of European paintings from the Renaissance to the Baroque era. Highlights include:
- Raphael’s Madonna in the Meadow
- Vermeer’s The Allegory of Painting
- Velázquez’s portraits of the Spanish Infantas
- Works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Tintoretto, and Dürer
It’s a strong, well-curated collection that art lovers shouldn’t miss.
Beyond Paintings: Sculptures and Ancient Finds
Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection
This section covers ancient cultures from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and beyond. You’ll find mummies, stone reliefs, and everyday objects from thousands of years ago.
Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Decorative objects collected by the Habsburgs include armor, clocks, vessels, and small curiosities from around the world - a real mix of art and oddity.
Plan Your Visit
- The museum is large and diverse. We recommend planning your visit around one or two key areas of interest.
- Audio guides and guided tours are available in multiple languages.
- Buy tickets online to skip the line, especially in summer.
Want to explore more? You can easily return on another day. Your appreciation will grow with each visit.
Visiting with Kids?
The Kunsthistorisches Museum can work for families with older children, especially if they’re curious about history or art. For younger kids, the Natural History Museum across the square might be a better fit, with dinosaur skeletons, insects, and interactive exhibits.
Read more about the Natural History Museum →
Take a Break: The Museum Café
The café under the central dome is a great place to rest. Try the cakes, have a coffee, or share a chocolate fondue at your table.
Visitor Info
- Address: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM - 6 PM (Thursdays until 9 PM)
- Website & Tickets: www.khm.at
- Public Transport: U2 Museumsquartier / U3 Volkstheater, trams D, 1, 2
