Kunsthistorisches Museum
Museum Major art museum featuring European old masters and antiquities
The Kunsthistorisches Museum on Vienna’s Ringstraße houses imperial art collections - Flemish and Italian Old Masters, ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern pieces - set in a grand, museum‑palace building.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is a major art museum housing the Habsburg imperial collections in a purpose-built grand palace on Maria-Theresien-Platz. The present building was completed for display of the imperial collections and opened in 1891.
The museum’s highlights include extensive Old Master paintings and large collections of decorative arts, antiquities and applied arts displayed in richly decorated galleries. Key viewing points include the Picture Gallery and the Kunstkammer with Renaissance and Baroque treasures displayed in historic rooms.
The collections were assembled by the Habsburgs over centuries and were organised for public display in the late 19th century when the present building was constructed. Since then the museum has continued as a major national repository for fine art and antiquities.
The museum stands on Maria-Theresien-Platz in central Vienna, opposite the Naturhistorisches Museum, and is a short distance west of the Innere Stadt historic centre. It is accessible by Vienna public transport and is part of the city museum quarter.
- Building and opening: The museum building was commissioned by the Habsburgs and designed by Gottfried Semper and Carl von Hasenauer, opening to the public in 1891.
- Collections: The collection reflects the former Habsburg imperial holdings and is particularly strong in European Old Master paintings and Renaissance decorative arts.
What to See #
- Picture Gallery: The Picture Gallery houses the museum's principal paintings by Old Masters including works by Titian, Vermeer, Raphael and Pieter Bruegel the Elder, displayed in the grand historic halls.
- Kunstkammer: The Kunstkammer preserves imperial art and curiosity collections with decorative arts, scientific instruments and goldsmith work assembled by the Habsburgs over centuries.
How to Get to Kunsthistorisches Museum #
Kunsthistorisches Museum sits on Maria‑Theresien‑Platz next to the Naturhistorisches Museum in central Vienna. The nearest U-Bahn is Museumsquartier on the U2 line; from Museumsquartier it’s about a 5-10 minute walk across the square to the museum entrance.
The site is also served by several tram lines on the Ringstraße and is an easy walk from Karlsplatz/Inner City; driving is possible but public transport is the simplest option.
Tips for Visiting Kunsthistorisches Museum #
- Buy a timed‑entry ticket for the Kunsthistorisches Museum and plan to arrive at opening time on a weekday to see the major galleries (Old Masters and Egyptian/Antiquities) with smaller crowds than midday cruise‑group surges.
- Start in the picture gallery and then move to the decorative arts and antiquities wings - many visitors rush one collection and miss the museum's less‑visited holdings in the historic cabinets and small rooms.
- Use the main Maria‑Theresien‑Platz entrance and check for any temporary closures of specific galleries (special exhibitions can change access routes); a guided highlights tour or an audio guide will help you see key works efficiently if you have limited time.
Best Time to Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum #
Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum on weekday mornings or in shoulder seasons to avoid peak tourist crowds; the galleries are climate‑controlled year‑round.
Weather & Climate near Kunsthistorisches Museum #
Kunsthistorisches Museum's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (596 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with 73 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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