Museum of Art History

The Fine Arts Museum, as it is sometimes called, houses the greatest collection of art in entire Austria. It showcases famous works by master painters of the 16th and 17th century, like Titian, Rubens, Bruegel, Dürer or Caravaggio.

The various paintings, that you can today see in the museum, were originally all part of the private collections of the members of the Habsburg royal house, particularly Emperor Rudolf II and Archdukes Ferdinand II and Leopold Wilhelm. They first came to be displayed publicly in the 18th century, and have since then moved into the ownership of the state of Austria, where they remain today.

While most of the museum's fame comes from the paintings on display there, the museum also showcases a large collection of statues and art from ancient Egypt and the Near East, which are just as invaluable.

When visiting, keep in mind that it is forbidden to take pictures on the museum's premises, as well as to bring in pets. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible and the museum even lends wheelchairs to visitors. However, these need to be reserved one day in advance.