Austria. Media News. Museum highlights Vienna

  

Dear friend of Austria,                                                     

Vienna is buzzing with excitement this summer. With major outdoor concerts lighting up the city, vibrant events like the Film Festival at Rathausplatz, and summery temperatures, you might be looking for a cool escape.

Vienna offers numerous ways to beat the summer heat. As the greenest metropolis in the world, it is home to countless parks, tree-lined streets, and recreational areas along the Danube River. Beyond these outdoor retreats, there’s another way to stay cool while indulging in culture: exploring Vienna’s air-conditioned museums.

Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a refreshing break from the sun, we've got you covered.

Discover our top picks of Vienna's "coolest" museums this summer for a perfectly chill(ed) and cultural adventure!

Warmly,

Managers of Public Relations
Austria Tourism New York City

sigrid.pichler@austria.info; NEW PHONE NUMBER (646) 418 0701
helen.bitschnau@austria.info; NEW PHONE NUMBER (646) 418 0699
www.austria.info

The Danube Tower in Vienna, Austria's tallest building at 826 feet blends modern amenities with 1960s charm. Start your visit in the lobby, filled with the tower's history, and take the elevator with a viewing window to the observation deck at 492 feet for a spectacular 360-degree view of Vienna. 

For thrill-seekers, try Europe's highest slide, descending from 540 feet to the viewing platform at 490 feet. Reach speeds up to 11 mph while taking in stunning views.

Enjoy culinary delights at the rotating Turm Restaurant or Turm Café, offering Austrian cuisine, fine wines, and 1960s-style treats. On the ground floor, the Donaubräu Brewery serves creative beers and Austrian classics in a spacious garden.

Unwind in Donaupark's green oasis or the nearby Old Danube, perfect for swimming, boating, and leisurely walks. This mix of excitement and relaxation makes the Danube Tower a must-visit this summer.

     

House of Strauss Vienna, nestled in the historic Casino Zögernitz, a little bit outside of the city center, offers a deep dive into the world of the renowned Strauss family and 19th-century entertainment culture in Vienna. Spanning 21,500 sqft, this multi-faceted museum invites visitors to explore the life and legacy of Johann Strauss I and Johann Strauss II, the composer of "The Blue Danube" waltz. 

The distinguished "Strauss Hall" ballroom, known for its outstanding acoustics, is returning to its original purpose by hosting top-tier classical concerts. Guests can sit in the original Strauss private boxes and experience the music just as it was enjoyed in Strauss's era.

Cap off your visit with a stop at the newly constructed museum restaurant. Here, contemporary twists on traditional Austrian cuisine are skillfully prepared by renowned Chef Stefan Glantschnig. Alternatively, relax with a glass of wine in the Palais' historic garden, a hidden oasis adorned with ancient trees and one of Vienna's earliest fountains. 

 

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna offers an array of remarkable experiences this summer, making it one of the coolest destinations for art lovers. Discover the world’s largest collection of Pieter Bruegel the Elder's works, including masterpieces like “The Tower of Babel,” where intricate details reveal ant-like figures and bustling cities. 

Dive into the Kunstkammer Wien, with 2,100 objets d’art, from ivory carvings to the glittering “Saliera” by Cellini, and don’t miss Klimt’s spandrel paintings on the museum’s stairwell. The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection features over 17,000 artifacts spanning four thousand years, offering a deep dive into ancient history.

At the heart of the museum, the Cupola Hall, adorned with white marble and a magnificent dome, houses the Cupola Cafe. Enjoy breakfast or gourmet dinners here, and starting up in the fall again, once a month, join the “Kunstschatzi” event with themed cocktails, local DJs, and extended museum hours until 11 pm. 

     

Located in the MuseumsQuartier, one of the world's largest and most frequented art and cultural spots, the Leopold Museum is a key cultural center. Designed by architects Laurids and Manfred Ortner, the museum is a bright cube clad in white shell limestone, offering 58,125 square feet of exhibition space over five floors.

The Leopold Museum houses over 8,300 works, featuring one of the world’s most important collections of Austrian art from the late nineteenth century and Modernism. The collection includes the world's biggest collection of masterpieces by Egon Schiele and the permanent exhibition "Vienna 1900" featuring major pieces by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiel, and Oskar Kokoschka.

End your visit with a panoramic view of Vienna from the MQ Libelle, the museum's stylish rooftop terrace. Enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning views, complemented by the terrace's unique design elements by artists Eva Schlegel and Brigitte Kowanz.

 

Conveniently located in Vienna’s city center behind the Burgtheater, the Liechtenstein CITY PALACE stands as a testament to High Baroque architecture. Originally purchased by Prince Johann Adam Andreas I von Liechtenstein in the late 17th century, it showcases opulent staterooms adorned with silk wall coverings, elaborate gilding, and Baroque stucco ceilings. The palace underwent a meticulous restoration from 2008 to 2013, using 150,000 pieces of gold leaf to revive its grandeur. Explore the palace’s history through its renowned parquet flooring by Michael Thonet and marvel at the private art collection featuring Neoclassical and Biedermeier masterpieces.

Tucked away in Vienna’s 9th district, the Liechtenstein GARDEN PALACE is a haven of Baroque splendor surrounded by manicured gardens. Commissioned around 1700 by Prince Johann Adam Andreas I von Liechtenstein, it features the exquisite Sala Terrena with its Golden Carriage and a vast art collection including works by van Dyck, Raphael, and Rubens. Step into Hercules Hall with its majestic frescoes and visit the Princely Library housing a wealth of historical volumes.

Conclude your visit with a wine tasting at the Hofkellerei, where you can savor wines from the Prince of Liechtenstein’s cellars alongside culinary delights in a serene atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic treasures of the Liechtenstein Palaces, offering an exclusive glimpse into Vienna’s aristocratic past and present.