5 Must-See Museums in Vienna

If you love culture, Vienna is the city for you. From my first visit in 2010 to my third visit last month, I have been always left feeling inspired. The art, music, and architecture have a way to transport you to another era.  From the "The Kiss" from Klimt at the Schloss Belvedere to the modern art at the Museum Hudertwasser, it is easy to be taken by the art of Vienna. There are too many great museums to count in Vienna, but if time is of the essence, these are my picks.  This post will take you through some of my favorite places to take in the art and culture of this magical city. 

Belvedere, Vienna

1. Schloss Belvedere: This is a museum that I do not tire to visit. I will even say it is my favorite museum in the world, I just can't get enough of the place. Tip: the complex is quite large, make sure to plan at least a half a day to discover both palaces and the orangery.  When you enter the Upper Belvedere, you take in the majestic feel of a former imperial palaces. The ceilings are high, held by marble pillars, and lit with glorious crystal chandeliers.  In my opinion, the highlights of the Upper Belvedere are the works of Austrian artists Klimt and Schiele. It is not surprising to be taken by the beauty of Klimt's masterpiece, "The Kiss" but my favorite painting of Klimt is Judith, there is something about the raw sexuality of his subject. (Would have loved to share a photo but photos are not allowed on this part of the museum).  However, my favorite painting at the museum is "The Embrace" by Egon Schiele. You can truly see the emotion of a lovers embrace through this work of art.

Lower Belvedere

My most recent visit was this past January where it was cold but in warmer weather, make time to have a picnic at the garden and visit the Orangery. However, if you want to stay warm and take a break from the beautiful art, head to the cafe at The Belvedere.  You can have a decadent Sacher torte or a nice glass of Gruner Veltliner in the beautiful salon with beautiful chandeliers and art. Tip: In the high season admission lines can be quite long. You can buy your ticket online. 

Photo of a young Egon Schiele at Leopold Museum

2. Leopold Museum: As I mentioned previously, I am a big fan of Klimt and Schiele and the Leopold Museum has the largest Schiele collection in the world.  From paintings of his earlier years to photographs of the artist, his spirit is live and well in the museum. You can get a glimpse of the history of the artist. It is easy to get lost in this large museum filled with not only turn of the 20th century Austrian art but also visiting collections of modern art and sculpture.

Egon Schiele, Self Portrait Photo from The Leopold Museum Website

3. Museum Hundertwasser (Kunst Haus Wien):  Getting to the Hudertwasser Museum is a 30-minute journey in tram from the city center. As you leave the streets lined with museums and theaters, you take a glimpse of real Viennese life. As you walk by an unassuming neighborhood, you encounter this confusing, colorful structure, sandwiched by two average residential buildings.


Facade of Hundertwasser

In a city that is surrounded by classic buildings and art, this structure brings a pop of color to the city not only in its facade but also with the art work of the Austrian Artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Contrary to works from centuries ago in the other museums of Vienna, you can still feel the life of the artist in the walls and spirit of the museum (he died in 2000).  The art space is small compared other museums but it is worth the visit with its unique take on art and architecture. Not to miss: the museum has a vegetarian cafe with organic desserts. 

Organic Sweets at Museum Hundertwasser

4. Kunst Historisches Museum (Historic Art Museum):  Take a trip in time at this museum.  One of our regrets is that we did not dedicate enough time in our agenda to this place. We had two hours and were pretty much kicked out at closing time.  During our visit to the museum, a temporary exhibition of Diego Velazquez was taking place.  With works from El Prado to The National Gallery, it was an impressive collection to witness in the grand setting of the museum.

Egyptian Collection at Kunst Historisches Museum

During our express walk throughout the museum, we could not help to stop and observe all the artifacts from the Egyptian Collection of the museum. From the coffins sitting in the darkness of the room, it made me imagine what would it have been like to live in the times of the Pharaohs. Tip: You can get discounted tickets at the museum with a Vienna card.  

Schloss Schonbrunn Photo courtesy of Vienna Tourism

5. Schloss Schonbrunn:  Although technically not a museum, there is plenty of culture at the Schloss Schonbrunn to experience. Another former imperial palace, it gives you a glimpse of life during the time of Sisi (Empress Elisabeth of Austria) as you can tour the rooms of the palace, kept in the same decor of the 19th century, the grand era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although I did not have the opportunity to go to Schonbrunn during this visit, I did have the opportunity to take a guided tour in 2010 and automatically became intrigued with the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is a must see, especially in the summer as you can explore its many beautiful gardens.

At Maria-Theresien-Platz

Although this post only highlights five museums, there are plenty more to see in the city, such as the Museum of Natural History, The Hofburg Palace, The Albertina, and plenty more to discover in Vienna. For a comprehensive list of the 100+ museums in Vienna, check out the Vienna Tourism website.  I wish I would've had more time to experience the museums of Vienna, but it gives me an incentive to return.  Tip: book ahead, research which collections appeal to you and set enough time to experience them, and don't forget to have a coffee or a glass of wine in their lovely cafes.