The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is home to the world's largest collection of paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, holding about a third of his surviving works. This remarkable concentration of masterpieces, including the famous 'Tower of Babel', is just one of many fascinating aspects of this world-class institution, which was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I and took two decades to build.
A Palace Built for Art
The museum was constructed as part of the massive Ringstrasse development project initiated by Emperor Franz Joseph I. His goal was to create a magnificent home for the immense art collections amassed by the Habsburg dynasty over centuries, which had previously been scattered across various palaces. The museum officially opened its doors on October 17, 1891, after a construction period of 20 years that began in 1871.
Architectural Wonders
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Designed by architects Gottfried Semper and Baron Karl von Hasenauer, it stands as a mirror image of the Natural History Museum directly opposite it on Maria-Theresien-Platz. The building itself is a work of art, lavishly decorated with marble, stucco, gold leaf, and murals. Its impressive octagonal dome soars to a height of 60 metres (200 ft).
Klimt on the Staircase
Before he became a world-renowned painter, a young Gustav Klimt, along with his brother Ernst and their friend Franz Matsch, was commissioned to paint murals in the grand main staircase. These beautiful paintings, depicting scenes from the history of art from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, are an often-overlooked highlight and a glimpse into the early work of a master.
Collection Highlights and Curiosities
The museum's collections are vast, spanning five millennia from ancient Egypt to the late 18th century. Here are some of the most remarkable facts about its contents.
- The Bruegel Collection: The museum holds the world's most significant and largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, including masterpieces like 'Hunters in the Snow', 'The Peasant Wedding', and 'The Tower of Babel'.
- Ancient Egypt in Vienna: The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection contains over 17,000 objects. The galleries themselves are decorated in an Egyptian style and even incorporate three original, 6-metre-high ancient Egyptian columns to support the ceiling.
- The 'Mona Lisa of Sculpture': The Kunstkammer, or Chamber of Art and Wonders, houses the famous 'Saliera' (Salt Cellar) by Benvenuto Cellini. Completed in 1543, it is the only surviving work in gold that can be definitively attributed to the artist and is sometimes called the 'Mona Lisa of Sculpture'.
- A Famous Theft: The Saliera was dramatically stolen from the museum on May 11, 2003. The thief climbed scaffolding during renovation work and broke a window. The priceless sculpture was recovered in 2006 after being found buried in a lead box in a forest.
- Imperial Treasures: The collections are primarily those of the Habsburgs, built over centuries. They include portraits collected by Ferdinand of Tyrol, the curiosities of Emperor Rudolph II, and the Italian paintings gathered by Archduke Leopold Wilhelm.
Whether you are an art aficionado or a curious traveller, the stories behind the Kunsthistorisches Museum are as captivating as the masterpieces it contains. To see these wonders for yourself, you can book tickets in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How long did it take to build the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
The construction of the Kunsthistorisches Museum took 20 years, beginning in 1871 and officially opening in 1891.
Who commissioned the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary commissioned the museum to house the vast art collections of the Habsburg dynasty and make them accessible to the public.
What is the most famous artwork in the museum?
While the museum has many masterpieces, the collection of paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, including 'The Tower of Babel', and Benvenuto Cellini's 'Saliera' (Salt Cellar) are among the most famous works.
Ready to explore this treasure trove of art and history? Plan your visit and consider joining one of the available guided tours to get the most out of your experience.