Albertina Vienna – Masterpieces of art and imperial staterooms
The Albertina is one of Vienna's most important art museums and houses one of the world's largest collections of graphic art. In addition to masterpieces from Dürer to Picasso, the museum also features changing exhibitions by international artists. A special highlight are the state rooms, which transport visitors into the imperial living culture of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Short info:
- Where is it located? Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna (near the State Opera)
- What is particularly worth seeing? Dürer Rooms, Monet to Picasso, temporary exhibitions, state rooms
- Is admission free? No, there is a charge (discounts for children, students, and seniors). Here you can find the tickets. Free with the Federal Museums Card.
- Which exhibitions are permanent? Batliner Collection (“Monet to Picasso”), works by Dürer, Klimt, Schiele
- Are there changing exhibitions? Yes, ongoing internationally important special exhibitions
- How much time should you plan for? At least 2–3 hours
- Are there guided tours? Yes, both public and bookable guided tours possible
- How do you get to the Albertina? U1, U2, U4 to Karlsplatz or U1/U3 to Stephansplatz, each a few minutes walk
- Is there barrier-free access? Yes, there is a lift
- Is there a cafe? Yes, that DO & CO Albertina is located in the building
- When is it open? Daily | 10am to 6pm, Wednesday & Friday | 10am to 9pm
History of the Albertina
The history of the Albertina begins in the 18th century. Its name comes from Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen, the son-in-law of Empress Maria Theresa. He collected works of art on a large scale, especially prints and drawings. The collection was built up from 1776 onwards and soon included works by Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, and many others.
The Albertina is housed in the former city palace of the Habsburgs, which is directly adjacent to the Hofburg For centuries, the building served as the residence of various archdukes and archduchesses. After extensive renovations, the Albertina reopened in 2003 and has since presented itself as a modern museum with an imperial character.
Permanent exhibitions – Dürer to Picasso
The Batliner Collection is the most important fixture among the permanent exhibitions. Under the title “Monet to Picasso” It displays works of French Impressionism, Classical Modernism, and Austrian art. Represented are Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Paul Klee, as well as Oskar Kokoschka and Arnulf Rainer.
Another focus is on the famous Graphic Collection, which, with over 950,000 works, is one of the most important in the world. For conservation reasons, it is not permanently accessible, but is presented in changing exhibitions. Of particular note is Albrecht Dürer's "Hare", one of the most famous works in the collection, which is only shown on special occasions.
Temporary exhibitions – current and past highlights
The Albertina is also known for its high-quality temporary exhibitions. Current or recent exhibitions include:
- Matthew Wong-Vincent van Gogh
Juxtaposition of around 44 works by Wong with works by van Gogh, until June 19, 2025. - Leonardo – Dürer. Master drawings of the Renaissance on colored grounds
An art-historically significant exhibition with drawings by Leonardo and Dürer, running until June 9, 2025. - Jenny Saville. Gaze
Overview of the work of the renowned British artist, on view until June 29, 2025. - Michelangelo and the consequences – Drawings by the master and his successors
- The Modena Paintings – large-format works by the US artist
- Marc Chagall – World in Turmoil – Works between dream and reality
- In dialogue – Edvard Munch and his relationship to modernism
- Roy Lichtenstein – The Pop Artist – Review of the work of the American pop art star
- Arnulf Rainer – Retrospective on the artist’s 90th birthday
These temporary exhibitions change several times a year and thus always offer new perspectives, even for regular visitors.
Staterooms – Live like archdukes
The Albertina State Rooms are an architectural highlight. 20 elaborately restored rooms provide insight into imperial life between Rococo, Classicism, and Biedermeier. Silk wall coverings, valuable inlays, original furniture, and historical paintings make the tour particularly impressive. For conservation reasons, temporary closures may occur due to weather conditions – please call for current information.
Particularly noteworthy are:
- Hall of the Muses: Ceremonial centerpiece of the complex with five crystal chandeliers, 258 candles and life-size sandstone figures by Joseph Klieber – named after the cycle “Apollo and the Nine Muses”
- Audience Room: With fine parquet floors made of lemon wood, mahogany and rosewood as well as elaborately gilded furniture
- Gold Cabinet: Equipped with the so-called “Albertina Gold”, a special alloy of 23 carat gold, silver and copper
- Spanish apartment: Originally comprising seven rooms, today two originally furnished rooms are preserved, which served as guest quarters for the Spanish royal family from 1895 onwards
These rooms make the Albertina much more than an art museum – it is also an authentic place of imperial living culture.
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| day | opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 21:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 21:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
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