Kunsthistorisches Museum

Austria's grand art history museum, built to display the Habsburg imperial collections, with world-class Bruegel, Vermeer, Rubens and Caravaggio alongside Egyptian antiquities under an opulent domed hall. The building itself, including the Klimt-decorated staircase and the marble cafe, is part of the draw. Give it at least half a day; it faces its twin, the Natural History Museum, across Maria-Theresien-Platz.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the KHM good for kids?

The Egyptian mummies, armour, and glittering Kunstkammer curiosities appeal to children, and the museum runs family programs. That said, the Old Master picture galleries can test young attention spans, so lead with the mummies and treasures and keep the visit focused.

When is the best time to avoid crowds at the KHM?

Thursday evening, when it's open until 21:00, is the calmest and most atmospheric time. Otherwise aim for right at 10:00 opening on a weekday. Weekend afternoons and rainy days are the busiest, especially in the Bruegel room.

How much time do I need at the Kunsthistorisches Museum?

It's huge - the Picture Gallery and Kunstkammer alone deserve 2.5 to 3 hours, and adding the Egyptian and classical antiquities pushes it toward four. If time is tight, prioritize the Bruegel room and the Kunstkammer and move quickly through the rest.

How much does the Kunsthistorisches Museum cost?

Adult admission is about EUR 22 booked online or EUR 24 at the door (2026); reduced is roughly EUR 19-20, and under-19s are free. The ticket covers the whole main building including the Picture Gallery, Kunstkammer, and Egyptian and antiquities collections.

How do I get to the Kunsthistorisches Museum?

It faces the Ringstrasse at Maria-Theresien-Platz. Closest metro stops are U2/U3 Volkstheater and U2 MuseumsQuartier, both a short walk. Trams 1, 2, 71 and D circle the Ring nearby. It's beside the MuseumsQuartier, so combine them easily.

Is the KHM the same building as the Natural History Museum?

No, but they're twins - the Kunsthistorisches (art history) and Naturhistorisches (natural history) museums are identical facing palaces across Maria-Theresien-Platz, built as a matched pair. Art is on one side, dinosaurs and minerals on the other. Each needs its own ticket.

Is the Kunsthistorisches Museum closed on Mondays?

Yes, outside summer - the KHM is closed Mondays from September through May. In June, July and August it opens daily including Mondays. It's open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 year-round, with Thursday extended to 21:00. Note it also closes on May 4, 2026.

What are the must-see works at the KHM?

The Bruegel gallery (the world's largest, with 'The Tower of Babel' and 'Hunters in the Snow'), Vermeer's 'The Art of Painting', Raphael's 'Madonna in the Meadow', Caravaggio, and the fabulous Kunstkammer treasures like the Cellini Saliera. The building's cupola and staircase are attractions in themselves.

Nearby in Ask Vienna

• Vienna Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum)Attraction0.21 km · 3 min walk
• Naturhistorisches Museum WienMuseum0.21 km · 3 min walk
• Leopold MuseumMuseum0.23 km · 3 min walk
• MuseumsQuartier (MQ)Museum0.23 km · 3 min walk
• Hofburg (Imperial Palace)Attraction0.31 km · 4 min walk