Museum of Art History

The Museum of Art History in Vienna was founded in 1889 and officially opened 3 years later.

Its exposition is based on a collection belonging to the Habsburgs, the ruling dynasty of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The project of the building belongs to the architect Gottfried Semper. He was invited to reconstruct the royal residence of the Hofburg. The majestic project of the architect included not only a palace and a garden, but also such buildings as museums, a theater, an arena. The project was not meant to become a reality, but two museum buildings were completed. In one of these buildings was housed the collection of the Museum of Art History.

The exposition of the museum is divided into departments: art of Italy, France, Holland (Flanders, the Netherlands), the Mannerism period (transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque), the ancient world, Spain, modern art. Widely presented paintings of famous artists, tapestries, sculptures, dishes, jewelry, coins, mummies.