The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, inaugurated in 1891 at the behest of Emperor Franz Joseph, is one of the most important art museums in Europe. Designed to house the imperial collections of the Habsburgs, it safeguards an extraordinary amount of artworks, historical artifacts, and objects from around the world. Each room tells a fragment of humanity’s history, from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, from the classical world to Flemish painting.

If you’re wondering what to see at the KHM, prepare for a fascinating itinerary that will take you through famous masterpieces, unique collections, and environments of rare beauty. Here’s a journey through the sections and must-see works.

The Gallery of Old Masters

The beating heart of the museum, the Gemäldegalerie, houses one of the most prestigious collections of European painting in the world. Here, you can admire absolute masterpieces by Italian, Flemish, Dutch, Spanish, and German artists displayed in spacious, bright, and elegant halls.

Among the most iconic works:

• The Tower of Babel by Pieter Bruegel the Elder – a captivating allegory of human pride and the fragility of great empires, extraordinary for its detail and the architectural construction of the tower.

• The Art of Painting by Johannes Vermeer – one of the most celebrated works of the Dutch artist, where light, composition, and symbolism merge masterfully.

• The Madonna of Belvedere by Raphael – a sublime expression of Renaissance harmony.

• Portraits and religious scenes by Rembrandt, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, Velázquez, and many others.

This section is a true journey through art from the 15th to the 17th century, with works that range from the sacred to the profane, from private portraits to mythological scenes, from Northern realism to Italian sensuality.

The Kunstkammer Wien

Another must-see section is the Kunstkammer, known as the “chamber of wonders.” Here, over two thousand rare and precious objects are displayed: scientific instruments, automatons, ivory sculptures, miniatures, carved cups, celestial globes, and Renaissance clocks. These objects were collected by the Habsburgs not only for their beauty but also as symbols of knowledge, science, and the wealth of the world.

Among the most fascinating pieces:

• The “Salt Cellar” automaton by Cellini, a refined Mannerist masterpiece in gold and enamel.

• Microscopic carvings in wood and hard stone, capable of containing entire sacred scenes within a few centimeters.

• Curious objects that testify to the encyclopedic vision of the world during the Renaissance.

A captivating collection, perfect for those drawn to craftsmanship, science, and material culture.

The Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Collection

The section dedicated to Egypt is one of the most complete outside of the African country. It gathers over 17,000 artifacts, many of which are displayed in a scenographic and well-organized manner by theme.

What to see:

• Perfectly preserved human and animal mummies.

• Decorated sarcophagi, funerary amulets, and statues of Egyptian deities such as Anubis and Osiris.

• Papyrus, everyday tools, mirrors, jewelry, and miniature models of boats and houses.

• A section dedicated to hieroglyphic writing and the afterlife.

Alongside Egyptian objects, there are also artifacts from Mesopotamia, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia, including cuneiform tablets, cylinder seals, ceremonial weapons, and religious objects. This collection allows for an understanding of the evolution of the early great civilizations in history.

The Greco-Roman Collection

For lovers of classical archaeology, the Greco-Roman section of the KHM is a true delight. The rooms house statues, reliefs, painted ceramics, ancient coins, and jewelry from the Mediterranean region.

Among the most significant works:

• Busts and portraits of Roman emperors and Greek philosophers.

• Attic ceramics with black and red figures, depicting mythological and everyday scenes.

• Votive objects, funerary cippi, and domestic utensils.

This section offers a direct insight into the life, beliefs, and aesthetics of classical civilizations.

The Numismatic Collections

The Kunsthistorisches Museum boasts one of the largest numismatic collections in the world. With over 700,000 pieces, it is a reference for scholars and enthusiasts. Although only a portion of the collection is visible to the public, it provides an exceptional overview of the evolution of currency through the centuries.

You will see:

• Roman, Greek, Byzantine, and medieval coins.

• Commemorative medals, seals, and plaques.

• Objects that tell the economic and political history of Europe and the ancient world.

In addition to the artworks, it’s worth pausing to admire the building itself, designed by architects Gottfried Semper and Carl von Hasenauer. The grand central staircase, with walls and a dome frescoed by Gustav Klimt and other artists, is a masterpiece in its own right.

The marble floors, halls decorated with gilded stuccoes, and frescoed ceilings make every step inside the museum an immersive experience in the beauty of imperial art and architecture.

The KHM regularly hosts high-level temporary exhibitions, often dedicated to individual artists, specific themes, or dialogues between ancient and contemporary works. In recent years, the museum has also invested in digital technologies and multimedia installations to offer an increasingly accessible and engaging experience.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is a treasure of art, history, and culture. Each section has something unique to offer, whether it’s a painting by Bruegel, an Egyptian mummy, a Renaissance cup, or a Roman statue. It is not just a museum but a visual celebration of human knowledge and creativity through the ages.