Discover Vienna's Top Museums and Art Galleries

Vienna, a city steeped in history and culture, has been a hub for Europe's creative minds, particularly during the 700-year reign of the Habsburg family. Today, Vienna's rich cultural heritage is preserved in over 100 museums and numerous art galleries.

To maximize your visit, we've compiled a list of Vienna's must-see museums and galleries.

1. The Kunsthistorisches Museum: Vienna's Museum of Art History

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, with its iconic dome topped by Pallas Athene, showcases one of the world's premier art collections. Since 1891, it has featured Egyptian and Near Eastern artifacts, classical antiquities, sculptures, decorative arts, coins, and a vast array of paintings from masters like Dürer and Michelangelo. Guided tours in English and public lectures are available.

Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien

Official site: www.khm.at/en/

2. The Österreichische Galerie Belvedere

The Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, housed in the stunning Belvedere Palace, boasts a vast collection of Austrian paintings, including the world's largest collection of Klimt's works, such as "The Kiss." The palatial setting and its gardens are as impressive as the art itself.

Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien

Official site: www.belvedere.at/en

Individual excursions in Vienna

3. The Hofburg and the Sisi Museum

The Hofburg Palace, once the Habsburgs' imperial residence, is filled with art and luxurious objects. The Sisi Museum within the palace offers a personal look at Empress Elisabeth's life, featuring her clothing, a replica of her coronation gown, and even her death mask.

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien

Official site: www.hofburg-wien.at/en/

4. The Albertina

The Albertina houses an extensive collection of drawings, prints, and modern art, including works by Dürer, Klimt, Munch, Goya, and Picasso. The museum also features historical documents and a modern art section in the Albertina Modern Museum.

Address: Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna

Official site: www.albertina.at/en/home

5. The Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library, a Baroque masterpiece, is renowned for its frescoes and a collection of over 12 million items, including rare books and manuscripts. The State Hall is particularly breathtaking.

Address: Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Wien

Official site: www.onb.ac.at/en/museums/state-hall

6. The Vienna Museum

The Vienna Museum, with its main collections at Karlsplatz, covers the city's history from prehistoric times to the present. The Hermesvilla and Otto Wagner Pavilion are also part of this museum network.

Address: 4 Karlsplatz, 1010 Wien

Official site: www.wienmuseum.at/index.php?id=122

7. The Technical Museum

The Technical Museum showcases Austria's contributions to technology and industry, with interactive exhibits on nature, energy, transport, and more. The Crime Museum is another intriguing site, detailing the darker side of Vienna's history.

Address: Mariahilferstrasse 212, 1140 Wien

Official site: www.technischesmuseum.at/language/en-us/home

8. The Ephesos Museum

The Ephesos Museum displays artifacts from the ancient city of Ephesus, including statues, reliefs, and the Parthian Monument.

Address: Neue Burg, Heldenplatz, 1010 Wien

Official site: www.khm.at/en/visit/collections/ephesos-museum/

9. Natural History Museum of Vienna

The Natural History Museum, opposite the Kunsthistorisches Museum, houses a significant collection of minerals, prehistoric artifacts, and interactive exhibits for children.

Address: Burgring 7, 1010 Wien

Official site: www.nhm-wien.ac.at/en

10. The Museum Quarter (Museumsquartier)

The Museum Quarter, set in the former Imperial Stables, includes the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, featuring works by Warhol and Picasso. The area also offers dining and contemporary art exhibitions at Kunsthalle Wien.

Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien

Official site: www.mqw.at/en/

11. The Imperial Furniture Collection

The Imperial Furniture Collection showcases three centuries of Habsburg furnishings, including imperial thrones and a variety of historical furniture styles.

Address: Andreasgasse 7, 1070 Wien

Official site: www.hofmobiliendepot.at/en.html

12. Schönbrunn Palace Children's Museum & Zoom

The Schönbrunn Palace Children's Museum offers interactive exhibits for kids, while ZOOM Children's Museum in the MuseumsQuartier provides educational programs and hands-on activities.

Address: Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse, 1130 Wien

Official site: www.kaiserkinder.at/sprachen/english.html

13. The Imperial Carriage Museum

The Imperial Carriage Museum displays a collection of state coaches and ceremonial carriages, including the Imperial Coach and the black Funerary Coach.

Address: Schönbrunn Palace, 1013 Vienna

Official site: www.kaiserliche-wagenburg.at/en/

14. The Vienna Clock Museum

The Vienna Clock Museum showcases the evolution of timekeeping, from early clocks to modern wristwatches, with an hourly chime orchestra.

Address: Schulhof 2, A-1010 Vienna

15. The Sigmund Freud Museum

The Sigmund Freud Museum, located in Freud's former home, displays his personal belongings, original furnishings, and insights into his groundbreaking work.

Address: Berggasse 19, 1090 Vienna

Official site: www.freud-museum.at/en/

16. Haydn House

Haydn House, where composer Joseph Haydn lived and worked, is now a museum featuring his manuscripts, letters, and personal items.

Address: Haydngasse 19, 1060 Wien