Arts and Culture in Vienna
The city of Vienna has a long history. It has been home to one of Europe’s enduring dynasties, the House of Habsburg. This background has given the city some of the most memorable monuments to art, architecture, and culture from virtually all ages of European history. With its collection of museums and historical sites, the city is a dominant force in tourism and is sure to be a treat for the whole family.
Vienna Boy’s Choir (Photo by saikofish)
The MuseumsQuartier
Touring different museums can mean jumping from one venue to another. While this is certainly part of the experience, it can be exhausting. The MuseumsQuartier (Museumsplatz 1/5, A-1070 Vienna, +43 1 523 5881, website) solves this problem of mobility by gathering many of the city’s major museums in one grand complex. There are quite a few splendid attractions in this complex, one of the largest in the world. It contains a mixture of old baroque-style buildings and modern architectural designs. This area isn’t only a hub for museums; it is also the home of various cultural institutions specializing in fashion, music, theater, and many other facets of contemporary culture.
MuseumsQuartier (Photo by Erwin)
Art for the whole family
Within the MuseumsQuartier and beyond are several museums worth noting. One of the most famous museums in Austria is located right within the area. The Leopold Museum (Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna, +43 1 525700, website) is the perfect place for art aficionados. While it is most renowned for the largest collection of Egon Schiele artworks in the world, it also contains various paintings and other forms of art by many other Austrian and European artists such as Otto Wagner, Josef Hoffman, Herbert Boeckl, and Hans Böehler. Housed in a modern building amidst its baroque neighbors, the museum’s vast collection provides a snapshot of 19th- and early 20th-century art.
Leopold Museum (Photo from Google images)
Families will certainly enjoy visiting the ZOOM Children’s Museum (MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1, A-1070 Vienna, +43 1 524 79 08, website). This institution, envisioned primarily for children, hosts an exciting water exhibition that will surely enthrall youngsters. Attractions in the museum cater to different age groups, and these provide ample entertainment and learning, giving young children an appreciation for different facets of modern science and entertainment. Among these attractions are the Ocean, the Studio, and the Animated Film Studio. A collection of various animated films and songs is also available. The ZOOM water exhibition comes free of charge, while the other attractions require a minimal fee, which is certainly worth it.
Our world, of course, would not be what it is without the father of psychoanalysis. Sigmund Freud, who lived in Vienna for most of his life, settled in one house from 1891 to 1938 before he was forced to leave the country and settle in London for a year before his death. That house is now the Sigmund Freud Museum (Berggasse 19, 1090 Vienna, +43 1 319 15 96, website). It still contains the original furniture during the time that the eminent psychologist lived there, as well as original copies of his works. It is a fitting tribute to the founder of psychoanalysis.
The cultural scene
Music is central to Viennese culture. The city once served as the home and training ground for such renowned composers as Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and many others. The Musikverein (Bösendorferstraße 12, 1010 Vienna, +43 1 505 81 90, website) is certainly the place to go for the best classical music experience in the city. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra makes its home in this venue. You will be enthralled by the music, but the building itself is a work of art. Inspired by Greek Renaissance, it was designed by Theophil Hansen, and construction began in 1867. This magnificent structure and its music are sure to be a source of great classical music for years to come.
Musikverein (Photo from Google images)
The Konzerthaus (Lothringerstraße 20, 1037 Vienna, +43 1 242 002, website) is another popular concert hall in the city. Opened in 1913, this venue has featured not only classical music performances, but also lectures, dance events, and even boxing matches. There is also an undercurrent of its dedication to the contemporary music scene, and avid music lovers will find the performances here to be superb.
Of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without seeing the Vienna Boy’s Choir (Augartenpalais, 1020 Wien, website). This famous singing group has been in existence since the 15th century and has been under the tutelage of some of the most famous composers in history. They perform regularly during mass at the Hofburg. They also perform on world tours quite frequently, and their angelic voices are a testament to the city’s musical excellence.
Konzerthaus (Photo by Sacha Galgon)
Tourist? No problem
Vienna is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. For the savvy traveler, there is the Vienna Card. This offers more than 200 discounts available for museums, theaters, and other venues in the city. It also includes free transport for 72 hours. You can order it at certain train stations, the Airport Wien-Schwechat, the Tourist Info Albertinaplatz, or online here. This is definitely a discount card that will get you places for just 18.50€.
The Tourist Info Vienna office (Vienna 1, Albertinaplatz / Maysedergasse) is also available for any questions any tourist might have. Its offices open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Wien-Hotels & Info (+43-1-24 555), meanwhile, is a valuable resource in finding the best hotels and reserving the best rooms in Vienna.
The city of Vienna certainly has the sights and sounds worthy of being one of the best and most-visited tourist destinations of all time. Its dominance on the world’s cultural stage is the primary reason for this, but the city has a lot more to offer. Whether you crave history, art, or music, Vienna is the place for you.
Tourist information
Tourist Info Vienna
- Address: Vienna 1, Albertinaplatz / Maysedergasse
Wien-Hotels & Info
- Tel: +43 1 24 555
Destinations
MuseumsQuartier
- Address: Museumsplatz 1/5, A-1070 Vienna
- Tel: +43 1 523 5881
Leopold Museum
- Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna
- Tel: +43 1 525700
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Closed Tuesday
- Cost: adults 11€, students 7€, senior citizens 8€
ZOOM Children’s Museum
- Address: MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1, A-1070 Vienna
- Tel: +43 1 524 79 08
Sigmund Freud Museum
- Address: Berggasse 19, 1090 Vienna
- Tel: +43 1 319 15 96
- Opening hours: July 1st to September 30th—9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; October 1st to June 30th—9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: adults—7€; students 18-27 years old—4.50€; pupils 12-18 years old—2.50€
Musikverein
- Address: Bösendorferstraße 12, 1010 Vienna
- Tel: +43 1 505 81 90
Konzerthaus
- Address: Lothringerstraße 20, 1037 Vienna,
- Tel: +43 1 242 002
Related posts: