Highlights of Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

Next to their variant special exhibitions, the permanent shows featuring their fabulous collections are always a must-see. The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna owns the world’s most extensive collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. As one of the most notable Flemish artists of the 16th century, Bruegel is known for intricate depictions of peasant life and stunning landscapes. 

Look closely at masterpieces like “The Tower of Babel” and the minuscule details of Bruegel’s composition. Find ant-like figures dotting the scene, tiny houses on the tower, and entire bustling cities in the background.
The interactive website www.insidebruegel.net gives you a great view of all the paintings by Bruegel in the collection of the museum.

The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna is among the world’s most important collections of Egyptian antiquities.

The more than 17,000 objects date from a period of almost four thousand years, from the Egyptian Predynastic and Early Dynastic periods (ca. 3500 BC) to the early Christian era. Geographically their origins range from Egypt, Nubia, the eastern Mediterranean and Mesopotamia to the Arabian Peninsula.

Nightlife at the Museum

Once a month, the Cupola Hall dims the lights, puts on music, and throws a party. This event series is called “Kunstschatzi” (cute for "my art treasure") and notoriously attracts Vienna’s young and young-at-heart to the museum. 

A master mixologist creates a themed cocktail for the night, and the museum is open to explore until 11 pm. Enjoy the lineup of local DJs and mingle with other visitors - Tintoretto and Rubens make for excellent conversation starters.