Best museums in Vienna

Museum of Fine Arts

One of Austria’s most significant museums with a diverse collection from various eras and cultures.

It opened in 1891, commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I, to showcase the rich art collections of the Habsburg family. The impressive neo-renaissance style building is located next to the Ringstrasse, right next to the Natural History Museum.

It has five main exhibition areas:

• The painting collection focuses on Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Works by renowned painters such as Pieter Bruegel, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Velázquez can be found here. The Bruegel collection is particularly famous, being the world’s largest collection of Pieter Bruegel’s works.
• From ancient Egyptian art, we can see mummies, sarcophagi, and sculptures. It also showcases important objects from Mesopotamian culture.
• The antiquities collection includes ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, vases, jewelry, and other artifacts.
• The sculpture and decorative arts collection consists of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque sculptures and ornamental objects. Medieval reliquaries, jewelry, and works by Viennese and German goldsmiths are outstanding.
• The numismatic collection is one of the largest and oldest coin collections in the world, with over 700,000 items. The collection spans from ancient Greek coins through medieval to modern-era coins.

All information can be found here!

House of Music

Vienna has been the center of classical music throughout history, home to many famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, and Johann Strauss. The House of Music pays tribute to these masters and the musical culture they created.

One of the most important parts of the permanent exhibition deals with the lives and works of famous Viennese composers. Separate rooms are dedicated to each composer, showcasing their lives, works, and most important compositions.

One of the museum’s most popular attractions is the „Virtual Conductor” (Virtueller Dirigent) experience. Visitors can conduct the Vienna Philharmonic with a digital baton and try to maintain the orchestra’s tempo. If you manage to conduct well, the orchestra continues playing, but if not, the orchestra „complains,” which is entertaining.

A separate exhibition is dedicated to one of the world’s most famous orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic (Wiener Philharmoniker). The exhibition details the history of the orchestra and the tradition of the Vienna New Year’s Concert.

All information can be found here!

Leopold Museum

Located in the Museum Quarter on Maria Theresien Platz, the museum showcases hundreds of masterpieces of Austrian modernism.

The museum is named after its founder, Rudolf Leopold, who began collecting the works seen today in the 1950s. Later, it was transferred to a joint foundation of the Austrian state and the Leopold family, which ensures the museum’s operation.

It houses the world’s largest Egon Schiele collection, encompassing a wide range of Schiele’s expressionist works. His works include self-portraits, portraits, and characteristic figurative representations. Schiele’s art is often provocative and emotional.

Another significant collection is of Gustav Klimt’s works. Famous for his golden decorations and decorative style, several of his works can be viewed in the museum. One of his most famous works is the painting „Death and Life”.

All information can be found here!

Sisi Museum

Emperor Franz Joseph I’s wife was very popular in Austria and in Hungary (for example, she spent a lot of time in the Grassalkovich Castle in Gödöllő, Hungary).

The museum was established in the Hofburg, showcasing not only her official, royal role but also her personal, human side. Many of her items are on display, such as her beautiful dresses, jewelry, hair care tools, and sports equipment. Several paintings and portraits of her are also on display.

The museum also pays special attention to how Elisabeth became a legendary figure after her death. Particular emphasis is placed on the tragic death of the empress: in 1898, she fell victim to an anarchist assassination in Geneva, Switzerland.

In addition, in the imperial apartments and the Silberkammer (silver and porcelain collection), we can glimpse into the everyday life of the imperial family.

All information can be found here!

Beethoven Museum

The famous composer’s name is intertwined with Vienna, and a museum was established at his former residence.

The museum provides a detailed presentation of Beethoven’s musical career, private life, and inner struggles, with particular focus on his battle with deafness and his artistic genius. The exhibition spans several rooms and contains numerous interesting documents, artworks, and personal items.

One of its most interesting parts is Beethoven’s famous „Heiligenstadt Testament”, which he wrote in 1802 when his deafness was worsening. In this letter, he expressed his deep pain and despair over losing his hearing.

All information can be found here!

Albertina

It houses one of the world’s largest and most important graphic art collections.

The museum is located in the former Habsburg palace, in the area of Albertinaplatz, in the immediate vicinity of the Hofburg. It is named after Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen, who founded the museum at the end of the 18th century.

Its collection includes over 1 million prints and 65,000 drawings. The main parts are:

• Its graphic collection is exceptionally important, containing works by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Dürer, and Rubens. One of the most famous works in the collection is Albrecht Dürer’s famous creation, the Field Hare, which is one of the most iconic animal depictions of the European Renaissance.
• The collection includes works by 20th-century and contemporary art masters such as Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Paul Klee.
• Its photo collection contains over 100,000 works and traces the history of photography from its beginnings to contemporary art.
• It also showcases outstanding works of classical modernism, especially works by great masters of 19th and 20th-century European painting, such as Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Kandinsky, Chagall, and Matisse.

All information can be found here!

Vienna Museum

The museum on Karlsplatz presents the history of Vienna from architectural, cultural, and social perspectives.

Through interactive exhibitions, visitors can learn about how Viennese people lived in different historical periods, what their interior design habits were, and how the city’s urban development evolved.

It also boasts a significant art collection, which includes works by Viennese artists, with particular emphasis on Viennese modernism and Secession artists such as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Koloman Moser.

All information can be found here!

Vienna World Museum

One of the world’s most significant ethnological museums showcases treasures from all over the world.

Its collection includes more than 250,000 ethnographic objects, 140,000 historical photographs, and 146,000 prints, mainly revealing the history, culture, art, and everyday life of non-European peoples.

Among its most important objects are Captain James Cook’s collection and a world-famous Mexican feather headdress.

All information can be found here!

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Thanks to its history and its many cultural and artistic treasures, Vienna is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. It has long been one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Vienna is situated on both banks of the Danube at the north-western end of the Vienna Basin (Wiener Becken). The city is close to the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian borders and to three major cities, Bratislava, Brno and Győr.

Vienna attractions

Schönbrunn Palace

One of Vienna’s symbols, this baroque palace is located near the city center.

It came into the hands of the Habsburgs in the 16th century, marking the start of its transformation into an impressive building. Initially used for hunting purposes, large-scale constructions began during the mid-17th century under Dowager Empress Eleonora.

Its present form was primarily acquired during Maria Theresa’s reign. Starting in 1740, Schönbrunn became the center of court life. From 1744 to 1765, it was expanded and transformed in the Rococo style by Nikolaus Pacassi, creating a magnificent palace.

In the 20th century, the palace was the venue for several historical events. In 1961, U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Soviet Party Secretary Nikita Khrushchev met here.

The interiors served not only as the imperial family’s residence but also for representational purposes, symbolizing and reinforcing the monarchy’s prestige during numerous ceremonies and events. For this purpose, many renowned artists and masters of the era were commissioned to ensure the rooms’ utmost elegance. The interior design styles combine Baroque, Rococo, and Biedermeier, creating a harmonious ensemble.

The park houses the Imperial Carriage Museum, where one can admire the Habsburgs’ carriages and unique clothing.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take the U4 metro to Schönbrunn station.

Hofburg

The monumental and imposing complex of the former imperial palace on Heldenplatz has been one of the jewels of the Austrian capital for centuries.

Built in the 13th century, it was continuously expanded by most emperors. The interconnected complex consists of 18 building parts, 54 staircases, 26 corridors, 19 courtyards, and 2600 rooms.

From 1452, Hofburg was the residence of the rulers of the Habsburg Empire, the Austrian ruling archdukes, and the German-Roman emperors from the Habsburg family. From 1806-1918, it was the residence of the Austrian emperors.

Imperial Crypt (Capuchin Crypt)

The crypt located beneath the Capuchin Church has been the burial place of the Habsburg family since 1633.

12 emperors and 19 empresses are buried here. The crypt contains a total of 107 sarcophagi and 5 heart urns.

It is the resting place of one of the most famous emperors, Francis Joseph I.

Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral)

A prominent building in Vienna’s city center alongside the Hofburg. The cathedral is the most characteristic building of Austrian Gothic architecture.

The cathedral is oriented eastward, with its main entrance, the „Giant’s Gate” (Riesentor), being a fine example of late Romanesque stone carving art, comparable in details and design to the Jak church in Vas county, Hungary. Built by Hungarian masters, under Leopold I’s orders, the miraculous image of Mary from Máriapócs was placed here.

There are 18 altars in the cathedral, most of which are located in the various chapels. The most famous are the main altar and the Wiener Neustadt altar.

Several notable individuals are buried here, with the most famous being Emperor Frederick III.

The cathedral’s size is imposing: it is 101 meters long, and the nave has an internal height of 28 meters. Austria’s largest bell, the Pummerin, is also here.

Belvedere

This Baroque palace complex is not just beautiful but also a center of Austrian art.

Built in the 17th century by Prince Eugene of Savoy, the complex consists of two palaces.

In terms of art, the exhibition of 24 paintings by Gustav Klimt is the most famous.

The Upper Belvedere’s permanent exhibition was completely redesigned at the beginning of 2018: a total of 420 artworks can be viewed on three floors in seven thematic exhibition rooms.

The Belvedere Park is considered a masterpiece of Baroque landscape architecture. A so-called mirror pond is situated in front of the palace, reflecting its façade.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take tram D to Schloss Belvedere stop.

City Hall

One of Vienna’s most beautiful non-ecclesiastical buildings, impressive in size.

Built between 1872 and 1883, the City Hall’s arcaded courtyard spans 2,804 m², one of Europe’s largest inner courtyards. Its tower is 97.9 meters high, topped by a 3.40-meter-tall armored knight with a 6-meter lance (Eiserner Rathausmann).

The building and the square in front of it host numerous events, with the famous Vienna Christmas market being a highlight.

Karlskirche (St. Charles Church)

Built by Emperor Charles VI from 1714-1737, this church is a prominent work of Austrian Baroque architecture.

The church incorporates various historical elements. The façade leading to the vestibule borrows from Roman architecture, the two columns follow the pattern of the Roman Trajan’s Column, accompanied by Baroque-style tower pavilions.

Notable features include the pond in front of the church, the large columns beside the entrances, and the fresco on the dome.

Leopold Museum

Located in the Museum Quarter, at Maria Theresien Platz, this museum showcases hundreds of masterpieces of Austrian modernism.

Named after its founder, Rudolf Leopold, who began collecting the artworks on display since the 1950s. The museum highlights paintings by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt.

Sisi Museum

The wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I was very popular in Austria and also in Hungary (for example, she spent a lot of time at the Grassalkovich Palace in Gödöllő).

The museum, located in the Hofburg, displays Empress Elisabeth’s personal belongings and the most famous portraits of the empress.

Additionally, visitors can get a glimpse into the daily life of the imperial family in the imperial apartments and the Silver Collection (Silberkammer).

All information can be found here!

Assisi Saint Francis Church

Near the Danube, there’s a beautiful church that looks more like a medieval castle from the outside.

This Catholic church was built at the beginning of the 20th century to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reign of Franz Joseph I. Its three red towers make the church impressive.

It’s also known as the Mexico Church, as it’s located on Mexico Square.

Access: Take the U1 metro to Vorgartenstraße stop, then it’s a 400-meter walk.

Opera House

The Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s largest and most famous opera houses.

Built on the Ring between 1861 and 1869 by August von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll in French neo-Renaissance style. The auditorium can accommodate 2,200 visitors and is the venue for the Vienna Opera Ball every February.

National Library

Actually, it’s the library’s State Hall that’s worth visiting, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful library halls in the world.

Forming part of the Hofburg, it was established in the 18th century on the orders of Emperor Charles VI. It houses more than 200,000 volumes.

The State Hall is nearly 80 meters long and 20 meters high, ending in a dome.

Votivkirche (Votive Church)

This Gothic church was built in gratitude after an unsuccessful assassination attempt against Emperor Franz Joseph.

On February 18, 1853, a young man named Janos Libenyi tried to kill the emperor at the site of the church. Following the failed attempt, the emperor’s brother, Ferdinand Miska, initiated the construction of the church. The church was consecrated in 1879, on the emperor and his wife’s silver wedding anniversary.

Beethoven Museum

The famous composer’s name is intertwined with Vienna, where a museum was established in his former residence.

Located in Heiligenstadt in the northern part of the city, it showcases almost every aspect of his life in 14 rooms.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take bus 38A to Armbrustergasse stop, then a 200-meter walk.

Danube Tower (Donauturm)

The 252-meter-high tower along the Danube in Donaupark offers a stunning view of Vienna.

The observation deck is located at a height of 152 meters, in a rotating part of the tower. It provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take bus 20A to the Donauturm stop.

Anker Clock

The 10-meter-long and 7.5-meter-wide clock connects two buildings of the Anker Insurance Company on a bridge.

Created in the 1910s in Art Nouveau style, its face features 12 famous Austrian personalities, including Joseph Haydn, Maria Theresa, Prince Eugene of Savoy. At noon, all 12 figures emerge with musical accompaniment.

Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)

Located in the southeastern part of Vienna, it is one of Europe’s most famous cemeteries and popular among tourists.

It is the resting place of Beethoven, Schubert, and Falco, among others. (I’m a big fan of Falco and have visited his grave.)

Though it might seem a bit morbid to some, it’s also a popular walking spot for locals. It’s absolutely not your typical cemetery.

Access: Take tram 11 or 71 to the Zentralfriedhof 2. Tor stop.

Prater

The park by the Danube is most famous for its amusement park, home to one of Vienna’s symbols, the Giant Ferris Wheel.

But Prater is more than just an amusement park. It has a vast park area, a popular destination for locals to relax and stroll.

Access: Take tram O or 5 to the Wien Praterstern stop.

Schönbrunn Zoo

Located on the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace, it’s the world’s oldest zoo still in operation.

Established during Maria Theresa’s reign, initially for the entertainment of the imperial family. In 1780, it was opened to the public.

Today, it’s one of the world’s most modern zoos while retaining its park-like character. Covering approximately 17 hectares, it harmonizes with the adjacent palace gardens, featuring spacious enclosures surrounded by lawns, flowers, hedges, small lakes, shady trees, etc.

All information can be found here!

Access: Take the U4 metro to the Hietzing stop.

Best museums in Vienna

Vienna became an art center during the Habsburg era. It’s no coincidence that there are numerous excellent museums in the city.

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