More than 2,100 valuable objects, which were collected by the emperors and archdukes of Habsburg over centuries, are on display in the Kunstkammer Vienna, one of the most important chambers of art and wonders in the world.
The Habsburg emperors - above all Rudolf II. - were passionate collectors of these treasures, which are now on show to the general public again in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna. At the heart of the collection is Benvenuto Cellini's precious salt cellar, the Saliera, which dates to the middle of the 16th century. Visitors are astonished by the many other works in gold, such as the valuable breakfast service of Maria Theresia.
Numerous other art objects, which have been collected since the Middle Ages, can also be seen: carvings, timepieces, paintings, sculptures, wall-hangings, coins, weapons and a wide range of curiosities from the natural world. The so-called "Natternzungenkredenz" (around 1450), including fossil sharks' teeth, considered to be the mystical remains of dragons, is on display, as is the natural cast of a real toad. A highlight is certainly the Dragon Bowl made from lapis lazuli. Drinking games and all sorts of humorous vessels supplement the range of curious exhibits.
In any event, the value of this collection, which was restored and renovated between 2002 and 2012, cannot be measured. Because the so-called chambers of art and wonder of the rulers were museums and represented the total extent of world knowledge at the time. 2,162 objects are situated in Vienna and will be presented afresh in 20 rooms. More than 1,000 years of history can be experienced in the Kunstkammer on an area of 2,717 square meters. The oldest exhibit is an ivory table from the 9th century, the youngest a ceiling painting from the year 1891.
Online tickets
Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum)
Maria-Theresien-Platz
1010
Vienna
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Benefits of the Vienna City Card:
-5%
Additional information on the offer:
Standard ticket price: 21€ /
Savings: 1 € /
Audioguide 5€ instead of 6€
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Main entrance
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5 Steps
(Double swinging doors 300 cm wide)
on Maria-Theresien-Platz, no ramp
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Side entrance
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on Maria-Theresien-Platz, no ramp
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Car parks Main entrance
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5
Parking spaces for people with disabilities
on Heldenplatz
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Elevator available
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Further information
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Wheelchair accessible restroom available.
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Special offers for people with disabilities
Wheelchair rental possible (please reserve one day in advance).
Guided tours for visitors with special needs as well as tactile tours for the blind and visually impaired on request (Tel. +43 1 525 24-5202). Three masterpieces of the Renaissance collection of the painting gallery, selected objects of the Kunstkammer, the Egyptian-Oriental collection and the collection of antiquities are available to the blind and visually impaired as castings for touching. A brochure with image descriptions of this in Braille is available. The Kunsthistorisches Museum offers workshops for people with dementia (Tel. +41 1 525 24-5202 or email: kunstvermittlung@khm.at)
Wheelchair users who visit the museum via Burgring 5 can purchase their tickets at the shop in the lobby.
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Comments
The museum is a place of encounter and sensory perception and offers plenty of opportunity to stimulate vistors and motivate them to interact with one another by looking at art together and then getting creative themselves.
Induction loop available at the audio guide stand.
http://www.khm.at/en/learn/kunstvermittlung/inclusive-art-education
