Located in the heart of Vienna, Austria, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts. This magnificent museum houses an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, historical relics, and priceless works of art that are sure to captivate any visitor.
The Building
The Kunsthistorisches Museum was built between 1871 and 1891 under the auspices of Emperor Franz Joseph I as part of his expansion plan for the city. The building itself is a work of architectural beauty designed by Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer. It features an octagonal dome that stands out prominently against Vienna’s skyline. Inside, visitors will be greeted with grand staircases, intricate stoneworks, frescoes painted by Gustav Klimt and his brother Ernst Klimt along with their friend Franz Matsch.
Collections
The collections within the museum are vast and diverse. They span several millennia from Ancient Egypt to Greek Antiquity to European Art up until modern times.
One notable highlight includes an impressive array of Egyptian antiquities dating back as far as 4th millennium BC – including mummies! If you have always been fascinated by Ancient Egypt’s intriguing culture then this section is not one to miss!
For those interested in classical antiquity; there’s no shortage here either! The Greek & Roman Antiquities Collection showcases beautiful vases, marble statues like ‘The Apoxyomenos’ (a statue depicting an athlete scraping sweat off his body), gold jewelry from Mycenae among other treasures.
Pictures Gallery
Perhaps most famous however is its Picture Gallery containing numerous masterpieces from European artists such as Titian, Rembrandt,Raphael,Velázquez,Dürer,and Vermeer. Among these, works like Vermeer’s ‘The Art of Painting’, Titian’s ‘Equestrian Portrait of Charles V’ and Dürer’s ‘Portrait of a Young Venetian Woman’ are some notable mentions.
Moreover, the Picture Gallery also boasts the world’s largest collection by Pieter Bruegel the Elder including his famous paintings such as ‘Peasant Wedding’ and ‘Tower of Babel’. These pieces provide an unparalleled insight into 16th century life making it a truly unique experience for visitors.
Kunstkammer
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is home to one of the most important collections in Europe: The Kunstkammer. This chamber houses over 2200 objects that were collected by Habsburg emperors and archdukes from Middle Ages to Baroque era. It includes precious stones, sculptures made out of ivory, goldsmith works along with mechanical marvels – all reflecting opulence & grandeur associated with Habsburg dynasty!
Visiting Information
The museum opens its doors from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 AM till 6 PM (until 9 PM on Thursdays). An audio guide service is available in various languages which can greatly enhance your understanding about exhibits. Furthermore there are numerous interactive stations throughout museum offering fun learning experiences especially for younger visitors!
In conclusion, whether you’re an art aficionado or simply someone who enjoys exploring history through tangible artifacts; Kunsthistorisches Museum offers a rich journey through time leaving you enriched with knowledge & appreciation towards human civilization’s artistic prowess!
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours and ticket prices for the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Wien?
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. On Fridays, the museum extends its hours until 9:00 PM. As of January 2022, standard tickets cost €16 for adults and €12 for seniors (65+). Youth under 19 years old can enter free of charge. There are also various discounts available for students, groups, and Vienna Card holders.
What kind of art does the Kunsthistorisches Museum showcase?
The Kunsthistorisches Museum houses an extensive collection of ancient art as well as European paintings and sculptures spanning several centuries. It features works from Ancient Egypt through to classical antiquity including Greek and Roman pieces. The Picture Gallery contains significant works by artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Dürer, Rubens and Raphael among others. Furthermore it holds one of world’s most important coin collections along with a library dedicated to history of arts.
How can I get to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Wien?
The museum is located at Maria-Theresien-Platz in central Vienna which is easily accessible by public transport. You can take U-Bahn lines U2 or U3 to Volkstheater station or tram lines 1, 2 or D stop at Burgring/Kunsthistorisches Museum station.
Is there any special history about the building itself that houses the Kunst Historiches museum?
Built between 1871 and1891 on commission by Emperor Franz Joseph I ,the museum was part of his expansion plan for Vienna city known as Ringstraße project.The design was done by Gottfried Semper and Karl Hasenauer,both renowned architects of their time. The building is a work of art in itself with its elaborately decorated interior featuring marble,stucco ornamentations,gold-leaf,and paintings.The museum was opened to the public on 17 October 1891.
Are there any special services offered by the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
The museum offers guided tours for both individuals and groups that can be booked in advance. For families visiting, they offer interactive workshops designed specifically for children to engage them with art. There’s also an onsite restaurant serving Austrian cuisine under a beautiful dome decorated by Gustav Klimt’s paintings. Additionally, free WiFi is available throughout the museum ensuring visitors stay connected during their visit.