Vienna Museum Karlsplatz: City History, Art and Architecture
The Vienna Museum Karlsplatz is one of the most important city museums in Austria and offers fascinating insights into the history of Vienna. After extensive renovation, it reopened in 2023 and impresses with modern architecture and exciting exhibitions. In addition to the permanent exhibition "Vienna. My History", special exhibitions, a café with a terrace and a wide range of programs invite you to linger.
Short info:
- Where is it located? Karlsplatz 8, 1040 Vienna
- How much does the entrance fee cost? Permanent exhibition free, special exhibitions subject to a fee (prices vary)
- When is it open?
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 09:00–18:00
- Thursday: 09:00–21:00
- Saturday, Sunday: 10:00–18:00
- Closed: 1.1., 1.5., 25.12.
- Special opening hours: December 24th & 31st from 10:00–14:00
- Is there a view? Yes, a terrace overlooking the city center, freely accessible during opening hours.
- What are the highlights? Permanent exhibition, model of St. Stephen's, Klimt portrait Emilie Flöge, Prater whale “Poldi”.
history of the museum
The Vienna Museum at Karlsplatz (right next to the Karslkirche) was designed in the 1950s by Oswald Haerdtl and represented modernism in Vienna's museum landscape at the time. After extensive renovation and expansion by Certov, Winkler+Ruck Architects, it reopened on December 6, 2023. Today it combines historical architecture with contemporary design and offers space on three floors for the permanent exhibition and changing special exhibitions.
Highlights of the permanent exhibition
"Vienna. My Story"
This permanent exhibition takes you chronologically through the history of Vienna – from the beginnings of settlement to the present day. The exhibition is freely accessible and features special exhibits, including:
- A five-meter-tall model of St. Stephen's Cathedral.
- Gustav Klimt's famous portrait of Emilie Flöge.
- “Poldi”, the ten-meter-long Prater whale, which is particularly popular with children.
special exhibitions
On the upper floor, the museum regularly presents changing special exhibitions on various topics, which can be visited for a fee.
Other attractions
terrace with a view
A special highlight is the freely accessible terrace, which offers a spectacular view of Vienna's city center. It is open during regular opening hours and during evening events until 9 p.m.
café and restaurant
The museum's café and restaurant offer an ideal place for a break. From here you can go directly to the terrace.
Offers for all age groups
The Vienna Museum Karlsplatz offers workshops, programs and events for children, young people and adults that make the museum visit interactive and lively.
Visit duration and tips
You should plan on about 1-1.5 hours for a visit to the permanent exhibition and a walk around the terrace. If you also want to visit the special exhibitions or spend time in the café, you should plan on more time. The museum is easily accessible by public transport via Karlsplatz.
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| day | opening hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 9:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday | 9:00 – 21:00 |
| Friday | 9:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Please note: On July 24th we are only open until 6 p.m.
Please note: On November 25th, the Vienna Museum opens at 1:00 PM.
Closed: 1.1., 1.5. and 25.12.
The terrace is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During evening events, the terrace is open until 9:00 PM.
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