European Ribbon

Introduction

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (KHM), also known as the Museum of Art History, is one of the world’s largest art galleries. Emperor Francis Joseph I decided to construct it in 1857, leading to the demolition of city walls and the city’s expansion. In 1867, a competition was announced for two museums: one dedicated to art history and the other to natural history. Their location was determined near the Hofburg Palace, just beyond the Ringstrasse. None of the submitted designs won, prompting architect Gottfried Semper to collaborate. His approved design envisioned a grand complex called the Kaiserforum (Imperial Forum), with the museums as integral parts. These museum buildings, aligned perpendicular to the Ringstrasse, would connect to the Hofburg. Additionally, a central wing housing banquet halls and a throne room was planned, facing the old Hofburg. Unfortunately, due to Semper’s death in 1879 and political events, the project didn’t fully materialize as originally planned. Today, a section of the Kaiserforum, facing the castle, forms Heldenplatz (Heroes’ Square), which links to Volksgarten park. The square between the museums is named Maria Theresa Square, honoring the monument to Empress Maria Theresa, designed by Kaspar von Zumbusch.

Construction on both museums commenced in 1871. While building them, Semper collaborated with Karl Freiherr von Hasenauer, whose competition design resonated with him aesthetically. The exterior of both museums was finished by 1880, and the grand opening occurred in 1891, two years after the inauguration of the Natural History Museum.

Visit

The interior of the building blends various architectural traditions. The vestibule, staircase, and dome harmonize as a tribute to the imperial builders and their predecessors. A circular opening in the vestibule ceiling offers visitors their first glimpse of the impressive hall dome. Ascending the staircase, adorned with Antonio Canova’s renowned sculpture “Theseus Fighting the Centaur” reveals further works by Gustav Klimt, Ernst Klimt, and Franz Matsch. Historical sculptures and reliefs grace the facades. At the top, the attic hosts statues representing art-world figures. Johannes Benk’s bronze statue of Pallas Athena crowns the dome. An innovative double-glazed lighting design eliminated artificial light, which was primarily gas-based in the 19th century. However, reliance on natural daylight led to seasonal variations in opening hours.

The collections

The Kunsthistorisches Museum houses a collection primarily composed of Habsburg treasures amassed over several centuries of successive emperors’ reigns. For instance, part of the portrait collection and an armory collection originate from Ferdinand II’s holdings, while the paintings reflect the legacies of Rudolf II and Leopold Wilhelm. The Habsburg collections are so rich and diverse that they are displayed in multiple locations throughout Vienna.

Within the Kunsthistorisches Museum, you’ll find objects spanning nearly 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to the late 18th century. Notably, the Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection comprises over 1,700 artifacts and ranks among the world’s most significant collections of Egyptian antiquities. It is divided into four main sections: funerary cult, cultural history, visual arts, and script development. Indeed, one could spend an entire day, and not just one, exploring this remarkable section.

The Gallery of Paintings is exceptional, featuring masterpieces by Dürer, Raphael, Arcimboldo, Titian, Rubens, and Velázquez. Notably, it houses the world’s largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, including renowned paintings like 🌐 ”The Tower of Babel”, 🌐 ”The Peasant Wedding” and 🌐 ”Hunters in the Snow”.

We’ll encounter old masters, including 🌐 ”Infanta Margaret Theresa in a White and Silver Dress” by Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez, the same subject depicted in the painting “Las Meninas” displayed at the 🔗 Prado Museum in Madrid

A large part of the collection can also be viewed 🌐 on-line.

Planner

• The entrance to the museum aligns with the monument of Maria Theresa.
• The building comprises 2 full levels and 3 attic halls. Here is the 🌐 map.
• Tickets can be purchased at a separate booth or 🌐on-line, with discounts for students, seniors, people with disabilities, and the unemployed.
• Children and youth under 19 years old enjoy free admission.
• You can store your bags, backpacks, and umbrellas in the cloakroom or lockers during your visit.
• Lastly, the museum boasts a beautiful restaurant/café serving excellent cuisine—a perfect spot to take a break.