5 extraordinary shows in the spring
1. Albertina: Edvard Munch. In Dialog
All good things come in threes: The Albertina once again draws visitors with a brilliant exhibition on Edvard Munch (1863-1944), following those in 2003 and 2015. This time around, the focus is on the late work of the world-famous Norwegian painter, whose art set the trend for generations that followed.
Munch is also in good company here: More than 60 of his works enter into an exciting dialog with seven greats of the 20th century: Georg Baselitz, Andy Warhol, Miriam Cahn, Peter Doig, Marlene Dumas, Tracy Emin, and Jasper Johns. They were all influenced by Munch's work and thus bring deep human emotions to the Albertina.
February 18 – June 19, 2022
2. Lower Belvedere: Dalí-Freud. An Obsession
What happens when psychoanalysis meets Surrealism? Two of the most important movements of the 20th century are currently playing a big role at the Lower Belvedere, which has reopened to visitors following its refurbishment. Typical for both movements? – The unconscious and the dream.
The Spanish Surrealism genius Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) was deeply impressed by the Viennese psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud (1865-1939). Around 100 of Dalí's works – paintings, letters, periodicals, photographs, films, and books – bear witness to a momentous connection...
January 18 – May 29, 2022
3. Albertina modern: Ai Weiwei. In Search of Humanity
He is considered to be one of the most important artists of our time, who always focuses his gaze wherever he sees freedom of opinion and human rights in danger: The Albertina modern dedicates a comprehensive retrospective to the Chinese conceptual artist Ai Weiwei (born 1959).
The special exhibition show numerous works – readymades, wall works, sculptures, photographs, and films – from Ai Weiwei's almost four decade-long career. Terms like surveillance, censorship, human rights, and freedom of opinion are considered more closely in a wide range of ways.
March 16 – September 4, 2022
4. KHM: Iron Men. Fashion in Steel
Spectacular suits of armor make their entrance at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna from the end of March. The major spring exhibition casts light on a less considered, but artistically and culturally highly important aspect of the European Renaissance – the suit of armor.
Around 170 objects shed a new, sometimes surprising light on a complex topic. At the heart of the exhibition are masterpieces from the Viennese Collection of Arms and Armour. These are accompanied by numerous loaned pieces – such as from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
March 29 – June 26, 2022
5. MAK: Josef Hoffmann. Progress Through Beauty
The MAK – Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna continues celebrating the work of Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) until June. Over 1,000 exhibits cast light on the diversity of the architect and designer. The most comprehensive retrospective of Hoffmann's oeuvre to date focuses on some of his most important works – such as Palais Stoclet in Brussels or the Purkersdorf Sanatorium.
With his revolutionary designs and buildings, the co-founder of the Vienna Secession and the Wiener Werkstätte once set new standards. His work ranges from architecture to flatware and silverware to fabric patterns.
December 15, 2021 – June 19, 2022
