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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Museum of Art History Summary
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| Public website: | www.khm.at |
Austria – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Austria is a highly cashless society, particularly in urban areas. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and mobile payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Austria. In restaurants, it is common to leave a 5-10% tip, though rounding up to the nearest euro is also acceptable. Taxi drivers typically expect a small tip, around 10% of the fare. Hotel staff and tour guides appreciate small gratuities. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally permitted in Austria, though some areas may have restrictions. Drinking in public spaces such as parks and squares is socially accepted but may be subject to local laws in specific municipalities. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport. Designated smoking areas are available in many locations. |
| National Day (October) |
A national holiday with many closures, celebrations, and increased domestic tourism. |
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| Christmas (December) |
Festive celebrations across the country, with crowded tourist spots and higher prices for accommodation. |
| Austrian Wine Harvest Festival (September) |
Celebration of local wines, especially in wine-producing regions, with festivals and events. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Uber |
| Other: | Austria is known for its rich cultural heritage, with historical sites, museums, and nature reserves. Its well-developed infrastructure, particularly in transport, makes it a comfortable destination for travellers. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
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Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Museum of Art History, Austria
Closed Mondays from September to May, open daily June to August
Open late on Thursday evenings, a quieter time to visit
Don't miss
- 🖼️ See Pieter Bruegel’s detailed Tower of Babel painting
- 💰 Admire Cellini's exquisite golden salt cellar ("Saliera")
- 🏺 Explore ancient Egyptian and Roman antiquities collections
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Constructed in the late 19th century, the Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum) was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph to house the Habsburgs' extensive art collections. The building itself is a masterpiece, with its grand staircase, ornate ceilings and expansive halls designed to awe visitors.
The collection includes stunning works from Old Masters such as Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio alongside Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, offering a comprehensive panorama of art history. The Kunstkammer or Cabinet of Curiosities, showcases rare and exquisite artifacts collected by the Habsburg emperors.
Visitors appreciate the museum’s well-organized displays and the peaceful atmosphere that allows time to savor each masterpiece. The on-site café under the grand dome is perfect for a reflective break amid a day of exploration.
Tips: The museum is hugely popular, especially on weekends, so purchasing tickets in advance is essential to avoid lines. Some rooms can be crowded and photography restrictions apply in certain galleries. Take comfortable shoes and consider guided or audio tours for a richer experience.
Knowledge before you go
- Book tickets online; cloakroom and lockers simplify your visit.
- Give yourself at least two to three hours; collections span antiquities, Egypt and Old Masters.
- Visit on Thursday evenings for longer hours and a calmer, atmospheric gallery experience.
- Don’t rush the main staircase – Klimt-designed murals and grand architecture are highlights even before the galleries.
How to travel to Museum of Art History
The Museum of Art History is centrally located on Vienna’s Ringstraße, adjacent to Maria‑Theresien‑Platz. It is accessible from Vienna International Airport by taxi, train or shuttle. In the city, U-Bahn stations such as Museumsquartier (U2) and Volkstheater (U2, U3) serve the area well.
Access summary
- From Vienna Airport (VIE): S-Bahn or CAT to centre, then tram/metro, ~35–45 minutes.
- From central Vienna (Innere Stadt): Walk or short U2/U3 or tram ride, about 5–20 minutes.
- From Wien Hbf or Westbahnhof: Direct U1/U3 or tram D to Burgring stop, 15–25 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Museum of Art History
Staying in Vienna’s Innere Stadt or nearby Museumsquartier area offers luxury hotels and boutique accommodations within walking distance of the museum and other cultural landmarks.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Leonardo Hotel Vienna Hauptbahnhof
Mercure Wien Westbahnhof Hotel
ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof
Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof
Leonardo Hotel Vienna Schönbrunn
Grand Ferdinand - Beyond Stars and Standards
Hotel Schani Wien Hauptbahnhof
Hotel Am Konzerthaus - MGallery Collection
Hotel Kaiserhof Wien
InterContinental Wien By IHG
Packing recommendations for Museum of Art History
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Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🎒
Small rucksack
🧶
Light jumper
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 12% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Museum of Art History in Vienna enjoys a high safety rating. The city’s low crime rate, well‑patrolled streets and secure museum premises ensure visitors feel protected. Follow standard precautions: keep valuables close, stay aware of surroundings and heed staff guidance.
Accessibility
Vienna’s Museum of Art History offers excellent accessibility: wide ramps, elevators and wheelchair‑friendly exhibits. However, some older galleries have narrow aisles and signage can be sparse in German only. Visitors should request audio guides and confirm staff assistance ahead.
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