Kunsthistorisches Museum
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The Kunsthistorisches Museum

A collection of world famous masterpieces

The Hapsburgs are avid art collectors. Over the centuries they amass some real treasures; Archduke Leopold Wilhelm provides the basis stock, having accumulated an extensive art collection during his time as Governor of the Spanish Netherlands from the mid-17th century on. There is hardly enough room for it all at the Wiener Hofburg. So Emperor Franz Joseph commissions the building of a large art museum.

The project is launched in 1871. The architects are Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer, who commence construction of the Naturhistorisches Museum opposite at the same time. In particular, the interior design of the Kunsthistorisches Museum is legendary; the Baroque-style elements are among the finest and most valuable examples of Viennese Late Historicism.

Apart from the Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities and the Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, the Picture Gallery is the true highlight. It comprises numerous works famed throughout the world, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Velasquez, Rubens, Titian and Tintoretto. Discover exciting stories and fascinating details about the finest pieces in the Picture Gallery in the beyondarts Art & Culture guide “Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien”. Now available for download in your store.

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