Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is Vienna’s most important art museum and one of Europe’s finest cultural institutions. Housed in a grand 19th-century palace on Maria-Theresien-Platz, it displays masterpieces spanning over 5,000 years of human history, from ancient civilizations to Renaissance and Baroque art.
This venue is also included in select MegaPass options, making it easy to combine with other top attractions in Vienna.

Opened in 1891, the museum was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I to house the vast imperial collections of the Habsburg dynasty. Its purpose-built structure reflects the power and cultural ambition of the empire, bringing together artworks, antiquities, and curiosities collected over centuries by Austrian rulers.

The museum offers an unparalleled journey through global art history. Visitors can explore ancient Egypt, Greek and Roman antiquities, Renaissance masterpieces, and Baroque paintings, all within a single, architecturally stunning setting.

Tickets generally provide access to the permanent collections, including the Picture Gallery, Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, Classical Antiquities, and the Kunstkammer. Special exhibitions may require additional access or timed entry.

Ticket prices vary depending on exhibitions and visitor categories. Reduced admission is often available for students, seniors, and young visitors, with occasional free-entry days for the permanent collections.

The museum is usually open daily, with extended evening hours on selected days. Opening times may change during public holidays or special exhibition periods.

Located on Maria-Theresien-Platz, the museum is easily reached by metro, tram, or bus. The nearest stops include Volkstheater and MuseumsQuartier, and the area is fully walkable from Vienna’s historic center.

• Brueghel’s Hunters in the Snow
• Caravaggio and Raphael paintings
• Egyptian mummies and sarcophagi
• Greek and Roman antiquities
• Habsburg Kunstkammer treasures

• Start with the Picture Gallery during quieter morning hours
• Allow time for multiple floors and sections
• Check photography rules before taking photos
• Use a museum map to plan your route
• Take breaks at the on-site café under the grand dome

Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the main collections. Art enthusiasts or visitors attending special exhibitions may wish to plan a longer visit.

Winter is ideal for visiting, as the museum’s vast indoor galleries offer a warm and immersive cultural escape. Visitor numbers are often lower outside peak tourist seasons, allowing for a more relaxed experience.