Albertina Museum

The Albertina Museum is one of the places in Vienna where you can feel the beauty of human talent. It has the richest collections of graphic drawings in the world, including a million works. Besides, there you can see about 65,000 drawings, photographs, and architectural sketches. The Albertina Museum is easy to find as it is next to the Hofburg Palace and directly opposite to the Vienna State Opera.

As early as 1776, Duke Albert received from the Italian diplomat Count Giacomo Durazo nearly 1,000 paintings. The purpose of the gift was to begin the establishment of a museum that educates and inspires people. By the time of his death in 1822, the Duke had managed to collect about 14,000 paintings by artists from France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

In the beginning, the building that houses the Albert Museum used to be a fortress, and afterward, it was used as a palace. Finally, it eventually has become an art museum. Nowadays, the place attracts visitors from all over the world.

See more Top Attractions in Vienna

What to see at the Albertina Museum?

The Facade

Before entering the museum, take my advice to look at the facade of the building, which is simply impressive. Pay closer attention to the beautiful marble sculptures around the fountain overlooking the Opera House. They represent in an allegorical way, the connection between the city of Vienna and the Danube. Another remarkable landmark is the sculpture of a rider who proudly watches down from the palace terrace. It represents the Duke of Albrecht, and the statue was created as early as 1899.

Collection of Paintings and Sculptures

The museum houses masterpieces of all the great contemporary artists from Monet to Picasso. You can see works of French Impressionism and Fauvism. Also, the collection contains works by expressionists and the Russian avant-garde artists, as well as many works by Kiefer, Lasing, and even the Bulgarian artist Hristo Yavashev – Christo.

Drawings and Prints

The Museum’s graphic arts collection represents a truly panoramic study of the arts. From the time of Duke Albert to nowadays, the collection has grown to a million drawings and prints. They present all periods from the late gothic masterpieces to modern art. You can see works by Michelangelo, Durer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Klimt, Schiele, Picasso, Richter, Lasnig and many others. Due to the high photosensitivity of these masterpieces, they are not part of the permanent exhibition in the museum and are shown only at special exhibits.

Photo Collection

It is the largest and most important collection of art photography in Austria. Includes about 100,000 treasures. It presents various genres such as portrait, architecture, landscape and street photography. Works date from the early twentieth century to the present day. The Museum’s photographic masterpieces are also shown in temporary exhibitions.

Architectural Projects

The Museum houses a very interesting collection, including works of architectural designs. It presents more than 40,000 of these projects. Among the works, you can see building plans, architectural sketches, and ensembles, etc. The collection shows preserved pieces from the late Gothic period to the modern examples.

Imperial Rooms

The museum allows you to feel the shine of the true imperial style since for about 100 years the building was used as a residence by the Habsburgs. Evidence of that period is the 20 luxuriously decorated and carefully restored rooms. Their interior will take you to the magnificent world of classicism, impressing with precious chandeliers, fireplaces, stoves and exquisite furniture.

Cafe and Restaurant:

For a coffee break, you can stop at DEMEL, and if you crave for classic Viennese dishes and international delicacies, visit the restaurant DO&CO. Both establishments are located on the Museum territory.

What do you need to know before visiting the Albertina Museum?

• The museum is open on weekends. Check out its business hours, which suit your visit.
• No pets are allowed.
• You can take personal photos, but cannot use a flash, tripods, and selfie sticks.
• Free WiFi is available in the museum.

Tickets

If you do not want to wait in line, purchase your ticket online, then print it out or save it on your mobile device.

The ticket gives you access to permanent and temporary exhibitions and Imperial rooms. A tour guide and audio guide are offered for an additional charge.

Discounts for:

• Groups of more than 15 people
• Pensioners over 65 years old
• Youngsters under 26 years old
• Disabled
• Vienna Card Holders
• Children under 19 years enter for free

Tours

You can rely on a tour guide, an audio guide, or a smartphone guide to learn more about the Albertina Museum. Audio guides are available in several languages ​​including English.

Accessibility

The museum offers an unobstructed visit for people with physical disabilities, those who are partially sighted or blind, as well as for their companions.
Guide dogs are allowed.

Top Attractions in Vienna:

Vienna – the city
Schönbrunn Palace
Hofburg Castle
Belvedere Castle
Karlskirche Church
Saint Stephen Cathedral
History of Art Museum
Natural History Museum
Museum Quartier
Hundertwasser
State Opera
City Hall
The Prater
Imperial Butterfly House
Danube Cruise from Vienna
Donauturm
Naschmarkt