Rick Steves Tour: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

Kunsthistorisches Museum Tour

ORIENTATION

THE TOUR BEGINS

Map: Kunsthistorisches Museum—First Floor

Italian Renaissance

Northern Art

The Rest of the Kunst

The Kunsthistorwhateveritis Museum—let’s just say “Koonst”—houses the family collection of Austria’s luxury-loving Habsburg rulers. Their joie de vivre is reflected in this collection—some of the most beautiful, sexy, and fun art from two centuries (c. 1450-1650). At their peak of power in the 1500s, the Habsburgs ruled Austria, Germany, northern Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain—and you’ll see a wide variety of art from all these places and beyond.

The building itself is worth notice—a lavish textbook example of Historicism. Despite its palatial feel, it was originally designed for the same purpose it serves today: to showcase its treasures in an inviting space while impressing visitors with the grandeur of the empire.

This chapter gives just a taste of the Kunst. Hit these highlights—mainly large canvases in the large halls—then explore the smaller side rooms for more delights.

ORIENTATION M

Cost: €14, includes New Palace museums at the Hofburg; free for kids under age 19, €20 combo-ticket also includes the Hofburg Treasury.

Hours: June-Aug daily 10:00-18:00; Sept-May Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, closed Mon; Thu until 21:00 year-round, last entrance 30 minutes before closing.

Getting There: It’s on the Ringstrasse at Maria-Theresien-Platz, U-2 or U-3: Volkstheater/Museumsplatz (exit toward Burgring).

Information: Tel. 01/525-240, www.khm.at.

Tours: The excellent €4 audioguide, covering nearly 600 items, is worthwhile if you want an in-depth tour beyond the items covered in this chapter.

Services: There’s a free cloakroom. The restaurant is on the first floor.