The Hapsburgs of Vienna were among old European royals that had the passion and means to build a great art collection. And you can get up close to these treasures of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the Kunsthistorisches.
Translated in English, Kunsthistorisches is “history of craft”, but perhaps it should really mean history of fine art. Inside its various museums are works renowned by many art historians.
The museum complex is huge, having two separate palaces at its core. Built during the 19th century, the palaces are among other smaller adjunct areas. Starting point for the picture galleries (the Gemaldegalerie) is the grand staircase of the main building. Go up the stairs and you’ll see one of the most visited art collections in Europe. You would have to see the collection yourself to understand why.
‘The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian’ from the mid-15th century is one reason. ‘The Young Woman at her Toilet’ by Bellini, painted in 1515, is another. There are also several Caravaggios, including ‘David with the Head of Goliath’ and ‘Madonna of the Rosary’. There are hundreds of works by the Flemish and Dutch masters, along with 16th century Venetian paintings. The KHM also boasts the most comprehensive collection of Brueghels in any museum in the world.
The Spanish greats are represented as well. Portraits of the Hapsburg family by the famed Velazquez are on display. An entire room is devoted to nothing but paintings of the royal family by this master of the mid-17th century.
Many more modern works are not hard to find, either. Masterpieces by Gustav Klimt, along with several other Viennese artists of the late 19th-early 20th centuries can be found here. But living artists also have their chance to showcase here. Temporary exhibits often feature well-known contemporary artists, as well.
But the high art feats don’t end there. A golden salt cellar by Cellini is part of the collection. In the Egyptian section there is a bust of King Thutmosis III. Precious sculpture and decorative object d’arts can be found in the Kunstkammer (art chamber). Then there is a large museum devoted to Carriages and Court Uniforms. The royal coin collections here are well-regarded by numismatists.
Another notable collection is the one of Egyptian and Near Eastern artifacts. Ancient artifacts from Greece and Rome fill large wings in another area. Arms and Armor are found in the Ephesus Museum. The collection of Ancient Musical Instruments are technically part of the KHM, too. Both are housed in the Imperial Palace, rather than the main building on Maria Theresienplatz. Items in Schonbrunn Palace also fall under the same official KHM umbrella.
Spanning centuries, periods, styles and movements of great art - you can find your historical treasures at the Kunsthistorisches in Vienna.
Other attractions in Vienna: Check them out
Join us in Vienna, city of Music with our expert photographer and see one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Along the way you will see remarkable architecture including the Museum of Ethnography, the Imperial Treasury, the National Library, the Butterfly house and big collection of musical instruments and weapons and also the famous Spanish Riding School.
While in Vienna don’t miss your chance to visit Austria’s other great city, Salzburg - home of Mozart and beautiful Mirabell Gardens and Palace. Travel through the stunning Austrian alps and lakes on this fantastic day trip from Vienna.
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