Which institutions can you find in the MuseumsQuartier? What used to be here? How long has the complex been the way we see it today? What is the latest attraction in the MuseumsQuartier and is it free?
In the Museumsquartier (MQ) – on 90,000m² you will find around 60 cultural institutions, including the Leopold Museum with the world’s largest Egon Schiele collection. The Mumok (Museum of Modern Art), the Kunsthallecafés and restaurants invite you to linger in the inner courtyard.
Above all, the now famous MQ lounge furniture , the so-called “Enzis”, make you want to take a break in the MQ. A
From the imperial stables to a cultural meeting place
At the beginning of the 18th century, the imperial court stables were located here , and in 1922 it was converted into the Messepalast . Reopened in 2001 as a modern museum complex . Tradition and modernity have blended beautifully here. The old baroque architecture contrasts with the modern architecture of the Mumok or Leopold Museum. Incidentally, the yellow exterior façade of the MQ is the longest in Vienna.
Cultural events of all kinds (art, architecture, music, dance, fashion, literature) attract visitors to the Museumsquartier, some of which take place outdoors in summer. Very young audiences are drawn to the Zoom Children’s Museum or the Jungle, while older people prefer a wide variety of events in the Kunsthalle or visit the museums. In winter, there is a beautiful Christmas market in the inner courtyard.
An overview of the most important institutions from A-Z
- The Architekturzentrum Wien (AzW) enjoys an excellent reputation and has developed into Austria’s only architecture museum . Vienna and architecture go hand in hand. Here, anyone interested in architecture can find out more about the country’s modern architectural history.
- The Vienna Jungle, especially popular with young children, shows theater for young audiences, namely from 6 months. Families feel very comfortable here.
- Hall E + G provide the setting for all kinds of events, be it music, dance or theater.
- The Kunsthalle Wien explores international contemporary art and invites discussion.
- The Leopold Museum goes back to the private collectors Rudolf and Elisabeth Leopold and houses the largest Egon Schiele collection in the world with around 40 paintings and around 180 prints. The museum also impresses with the view from the higher floors, as it is flooded with light. According to Leopold, the artists worked with light, which is why the museum should also offer daylight.
- The mumok – Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna is even one of the largest for contemporary art in Central Europe. Pop Art, Minimal Art, Viennese Actionism to name just a few of the styles you can see here.
- The Q21 is a creative space for 50 cultural initiatives, an exhibition space and an area of approx. 7,000m².
- The Tanzquartier Wien was founded in 2001 and is now one of the leading dance venues in Europe. It is dedicated to performance and dance art, especially contemporary dance.
Gastronomy and surroundings
Of course, culinary delights are a must in Vienna and you will find great restaurants, food trucks, cafés and bars in the MQ.
Mariahilfer Straße is connected to the Museumsquartier and guarantees 2 km of outdoor shopping fun to Westbahnhof.
Time Travel Tip: Since September 2020, there has been a free elevator on the outside of the Leopold Museum that takes you to the roof of the museum, to the “Libelle” . Enjoy the view of Vienna’s rooftop gardens.
More info: MuseumsQuartier Vienna (mqw.at)
Image source: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Museumsquartier_courtyard.jpg
