THE PLACE TO EXPLORE

VIENNA AND THE MUSEUM: THE MODERN

Vienna has so many museums that we can’t even list them all. There are a number of museums that are a must-see for visitors to Vienna. And it pays to come to Vienna more often.

Last time we introduced you to the classics among Vienna’s museums. Today we are looking at modern art. Vienna has a wide range of museums, exhibitions and galleries dedicated to contemporary art.

Let’s get started with our favorites of the modern era!

B21 – Belvedere 21

With the Belvedere 21, a new strong presence for contemporary art was created in the Viennese museum landscape in 2011. The former “20er Haus” was built in 1958 according to the plans of architect Karl Schwanzer for the World Exhibition. The building caused a sensation and Karl Schwanzer received the “Grand Prix d’Architecture” for it. For the reopening in 2011, architect Adolf Krischanitz gave the building a makeover.

Belvedere 21 shows contemporary art from Austria and temporary international exhibitions. In addition, film screenings, lectures and concerts attract a wide audience to the museum.

Belvedere 21 is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm, Thursday and Friday until 9.00 pm.

MAK – Museum of Applied Arts

Founded in 1864 and built in the Neo-Renaissance style, the MAK houses a diverse collection. Arts and crafts from the Middle Ages and Baroque to the Wiener Werkstätte and the post-war years form an impressive overview of the subject of design.

In recent decades, the collection and exhibitions have increasingly focused on contemporary art. In addition, the flak tower in Arenbergpark was transformed into the MAK Tower tower. Here you can devote yourself entirely to contemporary art and architecture.

The MAK is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday until 9 p.m. You can also visit the MAK Tower from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Museum Quarter

An entire center of contemporary art can be found in Vienna’s Museumsquartier. The former imperial stables from the 18th century were converted into the Museumsquartier in 1998.

The MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art) is a brand new addition to the site. The building, which is completely encased in lava stone, offers plenty of space for contemporary art. The collection comes from the Ludwig Art Foundation and focuses on objects from Pop Art, Photorealism, Fluxus, Nouveau Réalisme and Viennese Actionism.

Right next door, in the former Winter Riding Hall, is the Vienna Art Gallery. Changing exhibitions show international contemporary art and form an exciting addition to the MUMOK collection.

Also located in the Museumsquartier is the Architecture Center. The center is dedicated to architecture and architecture in exhibitions, events and research.

Albertina Modern

The Albertina has had a new branch on Karlsplatz for around a year now. The Albertina Modern brings contemporary art even more to the fore.

Due to the pandemic, there wasn’t much time to visit the new museum in Vienna. So make sure you put it on your list the next time you visit Vienna. Here you can trace the pulse of the times and engage with the themes and issues of contemporary artists.

The museum is open daily from 10.00 to 19.00.

Kunsthaus Vienna

One of the most important Austrian artists built the Kunsthaus in Vienna’s 3rd district in 1991: Friedensreich Hundertwasser. In its typically colorful style with irregular shapes, the building alone is worth a visit.

At the Kunsthaus Wien a permanent exhibition traces the life and work of the artist. In addition, changing exhibitions show interesting aspects of contemporary art.

The Kunsthaus Wien is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.