Exhibitions in Vienna

MAK – Museum of Applied Arts · MAK Poster Forum

20 Years of VIENNA DESIGN WEEK

A City Full of Posters

Sep 29 to Nov 1

Last weeks

This exhibition celebrates the 20th anniversary of VIENNA DESIGN WEEK, Austria's largest curated design festival. The MAK Poster Forum showcases the posters created for the festival, highlighting the designers who have shaped its visual identity and public perception since its founding in 2006. These posters have been instrumental in establishing the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK as an internationally renowned initiative. The exhibition features a collection of these impactful designs, illustrating the evolution of the festival's branding over two decades. Visitors will see a diverse range of graphic design work, reflecting the creativity and innovation associated with the event. The exhibition serves

Lilli Hollein · Tulga Beyerle · Thomas Geisler · Bia Grabner · Rudolf Zündel · Bueronardin

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mumok – Museum moderner Kunst · Levels -2, -4

Tolia Astakhishvili

Figure of the Child

Jun 20 to Nov 1

Free Last weeks

This exhibition, "Figure of the Child," is the first solo museum exhibition by Tolia Astakhishvili. It explores the concept of the child as a figure embodying both independent creativity and deep reliance on others. The exhibition uses this concept as a framework for imaginative exploration, examining the boundaries of empathy and the shared human experience of having once been a child. Astakhishvili investigates how children perceive the world, focusing on spatial relationships, scale, and vulnerability. The exhibition aims to create a new kind of visitor experience by emphasizing the "first encounter" with art, extending it to include movement and touch, and challenging conventional museum

Tolia Astakhishvili · Vito Acconci · Zurab Astakhishvili · Aurel · Ştefan Bertalan · Karl Blossfeldt

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Architekturzentrum Wien · Bern.Dorf Hallen

Suburbia

Built Dreams — The Future Single-Family House

Oct 14 to Nov 5

Last weeks

This exhibition, titled "Suburbia," explores the enduring popularity of single-family homes despite environmental concerns and rising costs. It questions the future of the 1.5 million houses already built in Austria. The exhibition traces the global history of this ideal lifestyle, highlighting its establishment in Austria. Graphics and statistics are used to illustrate the impact of single-family homes on humans, animals, and plants. A significant focus is placed on the potential of existing housing stock. Thirteen projects demonstrate how current houses can be transformed into sustainable dwellings through renovation, transformation, and conversion. The exhibition is curated by Lene Benz,

Nicole Six & Paul Petritsch

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Künstlerhaus Wien · Künstlerhaus, Factory

DALPRA

Aus der Sammlung Werner Trenker

Until Nov 15

The exhibition 'DALPRA' showcases the work of Mario Dalpra, focusing on his vibrant use of color and form. Dalpra's pieces, whether paintings or sculptures, challenge viewers with their ambiguity, blending the familiar with the strange, and the representational with the abstract. While primarily known as a sculptor, this exhibition places a significant emphasis on his painting, revealing it as an integral part of his artistic inquiry rather than a secondary practice. Dalpra's paintings feature figures, faces, and organic shapes that develop a life of their own, constantly shifting and evading definitive interpretation. Color in his work is not merely surface but a dynamic material that creat

Mario Dalpra

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MAK – Museum of Applied Arts

WOMEN OF THE WIENER WERKSTÄTTE

Jul 17 to Nov 15

This exhibition, a collaboration between the Jewish Museum in New York and the MAK in Vienna, shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women designers to the Wiener Werkstätte (WW). Building on the MAK's 2021 exhibition 'WOMEN ARTISTS OF THE WIENER WERKSTÄTTE', this show highlights how these women substantially broadened the creative spectrum of the WW. The exhibition specifically focuses on the significant impact of Jewish women artists, who constituted approximately a quarter of the designers working for the Wiener Werkstätte. It explores their artistic journeys, including the challenges faced by some, such as ceramic artist Susi Singer, who emigrated to the USA after the "A

Susi Singer · Vally Wieselthier · Felice Rix-Ueno

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Wien Museum · musa

Der Bildgenerator

Karl Heinz Koller

Jul 2 to Nov 29

Free

This exhibition showcases the groundbreaking work of Karl Heinz Koller, a visionary artist known as the "Image Generator." Koller's art, created with analog techniques, produced results that were astonishing for their time and still surprise viewers accustomed to digital imagery. The exhibition traces his artistic journey from early series like "One month in my Life" (1974) and performances by artists such as Johann Jascha and Bruno Demattio (1972–75), to his documentation of European youth centers. A significant focus is placed on his "Configurations" developed from 1975 onwards. These hundreds of circular compositions, reminiscent of mandalas, were achieved through innovative use of a turn

Karl Heinz Koller

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Wien Museum · musa

Verdichtungen

Heliane Wiesauer-Reiterer

Jul 2 to Nov 29

Free

This exhibition, titled 'Verdichtungen,' showcases the diverse artistic practice of Heliane Wiesauer-Reiterer, an artist recognized for her broad technical capabilities and often referred to as a 'universal artist.' The exhibition presents a comprehensive overview of her oeuvre, highlighting her work as a painter, graphic artist, photographer, and sculptor. Wiesauer-Reiterer's formats range from small pieces to monumental works, and her approach can manifest in large series or individual pieces. The exhibition delves into themes of fragmentation, division, and reduction to the core, focusing on essential being and concentration. Her work aims to capture fundamental emotional states, often im

Heliane Wiesauer-Reiterer

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Künstlerhaus Wien

HEADSHOT

Ein künstlerisches Zeichen gegen Femizide

Until Dec 6

HEADSHOT is an artistic project by Iris and Erik Diewald-Hagen that serves as a powerful statement against femicides. The exhibition features portraits of 37 women from public life, including art, culture, media, sports, and society. These women were photographed using the historical wet collodion process on glass. Each portrait represents one or more women who have fallen victim to femicide in Austria since 2022. The artists have intentionally altered or destroyed each glass plate after the photograph was taken. These alterations are directly linked to the weapon or means used in the documented crime, physically embedding the violence into the artwork. Each piece is a unique, handmade, and

Iris und Erik Diewald-Hagen

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Belvedere · Lower Belvedere

Erna Rosenstein

On the Other Side of Silence

Jul 3 to Jan 10, 2027

This exhibition presents the first major retrospective in Austria dedicated to Erna Rosenstein (1913–2004), a significant figure of the postwar Polish avant-garde. Her works serve as a testament to her resilience and unwavering political and artistic ideals amidst the Shoah and political turmoil in Poland. Over a career spanning six decades, Rosenstein cultivated a multimedia creative universe that explores the intricate connections between the present and past memories, as well as the interplay of collective and individual experiences. The exhibition features approximately eighty works, including paintings, drawings, assemblages, and poems. These pieces reflect themes of persecution, flight

Erna Rosenstein

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Naturhistorisches Museum Wien · Tour, Level 1

Glaciers out of balance

Until Jan 10, 2027

This photography exhibition, "Glaciers out of balance," by Jürgen Merz, powerfully illustrates the profound impact of climate change on Alpine glaciers. The exhibition features a compelling series of paired photographs, juxtaposing historical images from the 19th and early 20th centuries with contemporary shots taken by Merz. He meticulously revisits the exact locations where earlier photographers captured magnificent glacial landscapes. Decades later, Merz documents how these same places have been transformed, with the once-permanent ice having largely disappeared. This comparative approach vividly highlights the dramatic scale of glacial retreat across the entire Alpine region. The exhibit

Jürgen Merz

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Leopold Museum

HERBERT BOECKL – HANS JOSEPHSOHN

Figural Archetypes

Jul 24 to Jan 10, 2027

This exhibition explores the dialogue between painter Herbert Boeckl (1894–1966) and sculptor Hans Josephsohn (1920–2012), two artists who never met but whose works reveal striking analogies. It does not aim to revive the historical debate on the hierarchy of arts but rather to highlight fundamental parallels in their understanding of corporeality, materiality, and form-finding. Despite the rise of abstract art, both artists remained committed to figuration, particularly the human figure, as the primary vehicle for artistic expression. They engaged in a pronounced process of abstraction in their depictions of the human body, often dispensing with anatomical detail to distill the essential th

Herbert Boeckl · Hans Josephsohn

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Albertina · ALBERTINA Museum

OTTO MEETS ALBERTINA

Jun 3 to Jan 10, 2027

This exhibition at the ALBERTINA Museum in Vienna features the renowned German comedian Otto Waalkes, known for his wordplay and parodies. While celebrated for his humor, Waalkes also has serious artistic ambitions as a painter. He studied at the University of Fine Arts in Hamburg and was part of an artists' housing co-op with notable figures. The exhibition showcases his artistic intervention within the museum's historic Habsburg staterooms. To mark the ALBERTINA's 250th anniversary, Waalkes was invited to reinterpret selected masterpieces from the museum's Graphic Art Collection. His approach is characterized by a tongue-in-cheek style, creating a dialogue between his work and the museum's

Otto Waalkes

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MAK – Museum of Applied Arts · Central Room MAK Design Lab

VALLY WIESELTHIER: Ceramic Sculptor

Apr 29 to Jan 10, 2027

This exhibition at the MAK Museum Vienna celebrates the career of Viennese ceramist Vally Wieselthier (1895–1945). It explores her significant contributions to art in both Europe and the United States, where she lived and worked from 1928 onwards. The exhibition was made possible by a bequest from her American family, which included a substantial part of her impressive oeuvre. Wieselthier was a prominent student of Josef Hoffmann and Michael Powolny at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts. She became the leading female artist associated with Wiener Werkstätte Ceramics. From 1927, she directed the production facility, pioneering a new form of ceramic sculpture with unprecedented expressivity.

Vally Wieselthier

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Albertina Modern · ALBERTINA MODERN, VIENNA

VASARELY & ADRIAN

Dynamic Grids

Jun 26 to Jan 10, 2027

This exhibition at ALBERTINA MODERN explores the groundbreaking art movement of Op Art through the works of Victor Vasarely and Marc Adrian. Op Art, which emerged in the mid-1960s, aimed to create optical illusions and challenge the viewer's perception of sight. The exhibition highlights how these artists, fascinated by the physical laws of light and optics, delved into the study of optical phenomena. Victor Vasarely's bold geometric patterns and stark color contrasts continue to influence contemporary aesthetics in painting and design. Marc Adrian, a younger contemporary, focused on depicting movement and exploring the boundaries of artistic expression and materiality. He was a significant

Victor Vasarely · Marc Adrian

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MAK – Museum of Applied Arts · MAK Center Los Angeles, Schindler House

Social Housing: Vienna—Los Angeles

Oct 22 to Jan 17, 2027

This exhibition explores the complex relationship between architecture, housing policy, and civic responsibility by presenting case studies from Vienna and Los Angeles. It unfolds at the Schindler House, a 1922 architectural experiment in cooperative living by R.M. Schindler. The construction of the Schindler House coincided with Vienna's 'Red Vienna' period, during which the city initiated its extensive system of municipally supported housing. These parallel developments in collective living serve as a historical backdrop for examining the divergent paths taken by the two cities. Vienna has maintained consistent public investment in housing, while Los Angeles' housing landscape has been lar

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Wien Museum · Wien Museum Karlsplatz

Down Syndrom Über uns, mit uns

Oct 22 to Jan 24, 2027

Free

This exhibition, titled 'Down Syndrome: About Us, With Us,' offers a deeply personal and multifaceted perspective on the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Through their own stories, told with humor and sincerity, the exhibition provides insights into their daily routines, educational and professional experiences, friendships, aspirations, and dreams. It serves as an invitation to discover new viewpoints and engage in encounters on equal footing. The exhibition showcases what is important to people with Down syndrome, highlighting their strengths, talents, and creativity, as well as the societal hurdles they and their families navigate. It deliberately avoids clichés, pity, or sugarcoa

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Weltmuseum Wien

Ishír: Living Memories from Paraguay

Until Jan 24, 2027

€16

The Weltmuseum Wien presents 'Ishír: Living Memories from Paraguay,' an exhibition developed in collaboration with the Österreichisches Lateinamerika-Institut and representatives of the Ishír people. This exhibition explores how the Ishír, an indigenous group from western Paraguay's Gran Chaco, remember, interpret, and relate their cultural heritage to their present lives. It highlights the Ishír's struggle to preserve their habitat, culture, and language, with art serving as a central form of resistance. Visitors will encounter objects like feather jewellery, bags made from bromeliad fibres, hunting equipment, and mask costumes. These traditional items are presented alongside contemporary d

Salmi Lopez Balbuena

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MAK – Museum of Applied Arts · MAK Contemporary

THOMAS DEMAND: Rooms That Dream of the Past

May 27 to Jan 24, 2027

This exhibition features the work of Berlin-based artist Thomas Demand, who merges the visual power of theatre and opera with his unique artistic methods. Demand draws inspiration from historical scenographic models, ranging from the Baroque period to the turn of the 20th century. For this exhibition at the MAK, he has created a series of bespoke works that transpose selected models from the archives of the Theatermuseum, Vienna, and the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco onto photographic media. His artistic practice is deeply rooted in the cultural habit of thinking in models, exploring how this process imbues our perception of reality and our understanding of the past with meaning. The phot

Thomas Demand

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Belvedere · Lower Belvedere

Erika Giovanna Klien

All Is Movement

Sep 18 to Jan 31, 2027

The Belvedere Museum is presenting an extensive solo exhibition dedicated to the Austrian-American artist and educator Erika Giovanna Klien (1900–1957). Klien was a leading figure of Viennese Kineticism, known for her innovative approach to depicting movement. Her work explores complex representations of bodies in motion, drawing inspiration from theater and dance. After relocating to New York in 1929, her art evolved to encompass urban landscapes and social commentary. The exhibition showcases Klien's diverse oeuvre, including her dynamic compositions of birds, machines, and city life. It highlights her early international acclaim and her later focus on social issues and modernity. Visitors

Erika Giovanna Klien

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Künstlerhaus Wien · Künstlerhaus

KÜNSTLERINNENHAUS

Eine künstlerische Intervention von Billi Thanner

Mar 20, 2024 to Jan 31, 2027

This exhibition features an artistic intervention by Billi Thanner, a renowned conceptual and light artist. The work, a neon light installation, spells out "KÜNSTLERINNENHAUS" (Women Artists' House) in large letters on the facade of the Künstlerhaus Wien. Thanner's previous notable work includes the "Himmelsleiter" (Sky Ladder) at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna in 2021. The artist intends this piece to be a powerful statement for the presence of women in the art world. The illuminated text in the public space of Vienna can be interpreted as a statement for equality and female creativity. For both the artist and the institution, this temporary light intervention is also a gesture of recogn

Billi Thanner

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Albertina · ALBERTINA MUSEUM, VIENNA

PICASSO – BACON

What It Feels Like to Be Human

Sep 18 to Jan 31, 2027

This major exhibition at the Albertina Museum in Vienna presents an exciting juxtaposition of the 20th century's two most important figurative painters: Pablo Picasso and Francis Bacon. Francis Bacon was inspired to become a painter by Picasso's works and throughout his life, he competed with him, striving to surpass him. Bacon aimed to be the late 20th-century equivalent of Picasso's role in the first half of the century: a chronicler of human existence in all its tornness. Both artists placed human existence at the core of their pictorial worlds, with the human figure as their shared subject. They depicted the figure pulled apart, thrown back together, and reinvented with unprecedented sav

Pablo Picasso · Francis Bacon

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mumok – Museum moderner Kunst · Levels 4, 3, 2/2B, 0, -2B

Terminal Piece

Jun 20 to Feb 7, 2027

The exhibition 'Terminal Piece' is structured in five acts, centered around Kate Millett's 1972 installation of the same name. This exhibition marks the first acquisition under mumok's new directorship and critically examines the act of viewing art. It prompts visitors to consider not only what they see but also their perspective and position relative to the artwork. Kate Millett, a prominent feminist figure, believed in art's power to create intense, direct experiences, and the exhibition explores the relevance of this idea today. The exhibition poses questions about who is watching, who is seen, and where viewers position themselves. These inquiries serve as a lens to examine approximately

Kate Millett · Anna Viebrock · Nina Porter · Ariana Reines

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Kunst Haus Wien · KunstHausWien

Seeds. Reclaiming Roots, Sowing Futures

Apr 10 to Feb 14, 2027

Seeds form the basis of our lives, providing food and raw materials, embodying biodiversity, preserving regional knowledge and cultural heritage, and symbolizing hope, change, and renewal. This exhibition, part of the Klima Biennale Wien, delves into the multifaceted meanings of seeds and seed diversity as a reflection of our relationship with the Earth and each other. For the fourteen international artists featured, the seed is the starting point for their investigations from ecological, cultural-historical, and symbolic perspectives. Working from diverse geographical and cultural contexts, the collected works address themes of migration and colonialism, indigenous knowledge and biodiversit

Ackroyd & Harvey · Maria Thereza Alves · Alexandra Baumgartner · Tue Greenfort · Kapwani Kiwanga · Dominique Koch

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Albertina · ALBERTINA MUSEUM, VIENNA

SHARA HUGHES

Sink In

Oct 9 to Feb 28, 2027

The ALBERTINA Museum presents "Sink In," the first solo museum exhibition in Austria by the acclaimed contemporary American artist Shara Hughes. Hughes, born in 1981, is recognized internationally for her vibrant and imaginative artistic practice. For the past decade, landscapes have been a central theme in her work, drawing comparisons to Georgia O'Keeffe and the Fauvist and Expressionist movements of classical modernism. Her landscapes are not direct representations of nature nor purely escapist fantasies. Instead, they are invented spaces that serve as a means to visualize the invisible aspects of human experience. Hughes aims to make tangible sensations, memories, moods, and inner states

Shara Hughes

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MAK – Museum of Applied Arts

ARCHITECTURAL CONSTRUCTION KITS 1890–1990

Plenty to Play With!

Oct 7 to Mar 14, 2027

This major interactive exhibition, "Architectural Construction Kits 1890–1990: Plenty to Play With!", showcases a fascinating evolution of toys that shaped architectural understanding and creativity. It is based on the extensive private collection of graphic designer Claus Krieger, featuring approximately 150 construction kits from 1890 to 1990. The exhibition explores the thesis that a continuous "evolutionary development" in toy manufacturing led to this vast array of building blocks. Visitors will discover how toy companies experimented with diverse materials, including artificial brick, wood, metal, and even less common substances like Galalith and rubber. The exhibition highlights ingen

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Kunsthistorisches Museum · Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities, Hochparterre

Prime Time – Travelling with a Roman Portable Sundial

Vitrine EXTRA #9

Until Mar 14, 2027

This exhibition, 'Prime Time – Travelling with a Roman Portable Sundial,' is the ninth edition of the Vitrine EXTRA series, which highlights individual ancient objects. It focuses on a rare Roman portable sundial from the mid-second century CE. The presentation explores the functionality and accuracy of these ancient timekeeping devices. Sundials were an early method of measuring time, originating from people's need to orient themselves by natural cycles. While stationary sundials were common, a portable version was necessary for the mobile Roman world. The featured sundial, measuring only about four centimeters, is remarkably well-preserved, making it a significant archaeological find. Port

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Wien Museum

Farbenspiel

Mode aus vier Jahrhunderten

Oct 1 to Mar 28, 2027

€13

This exhibition, 'Farbenspiel' (Color Play), delves into a fascinating cultural history of color through approximately 350 garments from the Wien Museum's unique fashion collection. It explores how color is more than just surface, influencing our senses, indicating belonging, and reflecting societal structures. The exhibition highlights the intricate connection between clothing and power, examining colors as key symbols of status, emotion, and identity. It focuses on the traditional heraldic colors of red, white, black, blue, green, and yellow, but also addresses often-overlooked hues, recognizing that each color carries its own narrative. Visitors will see a diverse range of garments, from

Gertrud Höchsmann · Adele List · Fred Adlmüller · Helmut Lang · Schella Kann · Susanne Bisovsky

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Belvedere · Upper Belvedere

CARLONE CONTEMPORARY: Asta Gröting

Sep 24 to Mar 29, 2027

This exhibition at Belvedere Museum Vienna features the work of Asta Gröting, a contemporary artist known for exploring complex relationships between people, animals, and objects. Gröting's practice delves into the invisible aspects of social and psychological realms through sculptures, videos, and performances. The exhibition specifically highlights her video "Things" (2018), where gravity appears suspended as organic and inorganic objects float in slow motion against a deep blue sky. The video creates suspense as the viewer anticipates the next object's ascent and contemplates the grotesque deformation of these items. The CARLONE CONTEMPORARY series aims to connect contemporary artistic pe

Asta Gröting

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Kunsthistorisches Museum · Neue Hofburg / Weltmuseum Wien

Cleopatra and Rome. Crime Scene Ephesus

Oct 20 to Mar 29, 2027

€16

This exhibition delves into the mystery surrounding the murder of Arsinoë IV, Cleopatra's sister, in the ancient city of Ephesus. It combines archaeology, history, and scientific findings to reconstruct the events and the political landscape of the era. Visitors will investigate the roles of key figures like Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, and Augustus in this tumultuous period. The exhibition explores Ephesus as a significant political and economic hub, a place where Cleopatra and Marc Antony resided, and the alleged final refuge of Arsinoë. It highlights the discovery of an octagonal tomb structure and a skeleton, whose identity remains a puzzle. The exhibition examines the architec

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Weltmuseum Wien · Neue Hofburg / Weltmuseum Wien

Cleopatra and Rome. Crime Scene Ephesus

Oct 20 to Mar 29, 2027

This exhibition delves into the mystery surrounding the murder of Arsinoë IV, Cleopatra's sister, in the ancient city of Ephesus. It combines archaeology, history, and scientific findings to reconstruct the events and the political landscape of the era. Visitors will explore Ephesus, a significant political and economic hub of the ancient world, which also served as a refuge for Arsinoë. The exhibition examines the roles of key figures like Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, and Augustus in this tumultuous period. A central focus is the discovery of an octagonal tomb structure in Ephesus, known as the 'Octagon,' whose occupant remains unidentified. The exhibition presents archaeological

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Sigmund Freud Museum

Documents of Injustice. The Case of Freud

Until Apr 5, 2027

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Weltmuseum Wien

OPEN SPACE

A Room for Many Voices

Until Apr 18, 2027

Free

OPEN SPACE is an evolving exhibition at the Weltmuseum Wien designed to foster participation, visibility, and collaboration. It prioritizes encounters, discussions, and diverse knowledge forms, inviting city communities to collectively reflect on the world and the museum itself. The exhibition functions as an open process for listening, discussing, reading, creating, and co-designing, aiming to amplify underrepresented perspectives and question the contemporary role of museums. It begins by examining the historical and global interconnections within the Weltmuseum Wien's collections, acknowledging their links to colonial power structures that persist today. Simultaneously, it recognizes Vien

Abigail Marcillo · Tayla Myree · Munira Mohamud

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Kunsthistorisches Museum · Neue Hofburg / Weltmuseum Wien

Raining Blood

Photography and Arms Trafficking

Until Apr 18, 2027

Raining Blood is an exhibition that delves into the complex and often hidden world of photography and its relationship with arms trafficking. The exhibition explores how images are used to document, influence, and sometimes even facilitate the global trade of weapons. It examines the ethical dilemmas faced by photographers who capture these sensitive subjects and the impact of these images on public perception and policy. Visitors will encounter a range of photographic works that shed light on the production, distribution, and consequences of arms. The exhibition aims to foster a critical understanding of how visual media shapes our understanding of conflict and violence. It highlights the p

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Weltmuseum Wien

Raining Blood: Photography and Arms Trafficking

Until Apr 18, 2027

€16

The exhibition 'Raining Blood: Photography and Arms Trafficking' at the Weltmuseum Wien delves into the complex history and legacy of the international arms trade around 1900. It examines how this trade was deeply intertwined with colonialism and imperialism, using the arms trade of that era as a critical lens to explore war and armed conflicts within the museum's collection. The exhibition highlights the paradox that while colonial powers often prohibited firearms in colonized territories to maintain control and suppress resistance, these bans were frequently circumvented through smuggling and local manufacturing. The Weltmuseum Wien's Photo Collection features numerous images of people wit

Sama Alshaibi · Baptist Coelho · Jittagarn Kaewtinkoy · Elene Kajaia · Peter Kennard · Minouk Lim

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Naturhistorisches Museum Wien · Narrenturm

Caution, high voltage!

Until Apr 24, 2027

This special exhibition, 'Caution, high voltage!', delves into the history and ongoing dangers of electrical accidents. It highlights that despite modern safety measures, electricity remains a significant risk. The exhibition traces the timeline of electrical accidents in Austria, starting with the first known fatal incident in 1882. It showcases the pioneering work of Stefan Jellinek, who in 1906 presented early findings on the effects of electricity on living beings, laying the groundwork for the Museum of Electropathology. The narrative extends to the present day, discussing the increasing number of electrical devices in private use, often associated with declining quality and a lack of u

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Naturhistorisches Museum Wien · Narrenturm

Caution: High Voltage

Special Exhibition at the Narrenturm

Until Apr 24, 2027

This exhibition delves into the history and dangers of electrical accidents, tracing their impact from the first recorded fatality in Austria in 1882 to contemporary issues. It highlights the pioneering work of researchers like Stefan Jellinek and Gottfried Biegelmeier, who contributed significantly to understanding and mitigating electrical hazards. The exhibition showcases the electropathological collection, which offers insights into the effects of electric current on humans and animals, alongside protective devices. Visitors will explore how the introduction of electricity transformed cities but also brought unforeseen consequences and ongoing risks. The display addresses the increasing

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Weltmuseum Wien

Hidden Stories: Treasures from the Collections

Until May 30, 2027

€16

The Weltmuseum Wien presents 'Hidden Stories: Treasures from the Collections,' an exhibition that brings to light objects rarely seen by the public. These items offer insights into the societies, knowledge systems, rituals, craftsmanship, and cultural exchanges from which they originate. The exhibition highlights the diverse holdings of the museum and their complex historical and global connections. It delves into the 'biographies' of objects, exploring their origins, significance, and journeys into the museum's collection. Visitors are invited to consider the cultural, social, and historical questions these artifacts and their acquisition circumstances raise. The exhibition is structured ar

Anwar Saeed · Rashid Rana · Salima Hashmi · Quddus Mirza

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Wien Museum · Römermuseum

Kellergeschichten

Ein rätselhaftes römisches Gebäude am Bauernmarkt

Jun 26, 2025 to May 30, 2027

€9

This exhibition, "Kellergeschichten" (Cellar Stories), delves into the mysteries of an unusual Roman cellar discovered during excavations within the Roman legionary camp of Vindobona. The cellar, dating from the 4th century, is unique along the Roman Danube frontier due to its substantial size of 450 m² and depth of 5 meters. Its precise function remains a puzzle, with various theories proposed based on its layout, architecture, and unearthed artifacts. These possibilities include a sanctuary for the Mithras cult, a treasury, a storage cellar for provisions or grain, or even a prison. The exhibition explores these competing hypotheses by presenting comparative examples and available evidence

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Naturhistorisches Museum Wien · Special Exhibition Rooms, Level 1, Natural History Museum Vienna (NHM Vienna)

Good Collecting – Bad Collecting

Until Jun 27, 2027

This exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Natural History Museum Vienna by critically examining its own history and the complex nature of collecting. It delves into the passion for collecting, the joy of discovery, and exploration that continues to inspire researchers today, juxtaposing these with the darker aspects of acquiring and maintaining collections. The museum, established in 1876 and opened in 1889, houses over 30 million objects, making it one of the world's most significant natural science collections. The exhibition explores how this unique collection came into being and the stories behind 150 years of collecting, research, and discovery. Visitors will be invited

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Naturhistorisches Museum Wien · Hall 21, Level 1

GENEchangers: Secrets from Early Medieval Graves

Unraveled Secrets from Early Medieval Burial Grounds

Until Jul 26, 2027

€16

This special exhibition at the NHM Vienna delves into the formation of communities and generational changes in Central Europe during the Early Middle Ages. It highlights the groundbreaking findings of genetic research and new interdisciplinary approaches in archaeology, anthropology, and history. These "gene and game changers" are unlocking previously hidden secrets of this historical period. The exhibition focuses on the lives of ordinary people, moving beyond grand narratives to reveal personal connections that offered stability during times of significant upheaval. By examining two early medieval burial grounds in Leobersdorf and Mödling near Vienna, visitors gain insight into how people

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Naturhistorisches Museum Wien · Hall 21 on the 2nd floor

GENEchangers. Decoding secrets of early medieval burial sites

Oct 13 to Jul 26, 2027

This exhibition delves into the family relationships and community structures of people living over 1,200 years ago during the early Middle Ages. It utilizes genetic research to reveal previously invisible aspects of life during a period of significant upheaval and change, often referred to as the Migration Period. By examining two early medieval burial sites in Leobersdorf and Mödling near Vienna, the exhibition offers insights into the daily lives, settlements, communities, and cultures of ordinary people. Visitors will learn about kinship, family structures, diet, childhood, health, and mobility of these ancient populations. The exhibition also explores connections and differences with ot

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Dom Museum Wien

tierisch menschlich

Oct 2 to Aug 22, 2027

The exhibition 'tierisch menschlich' (animal human) at Dom Museum Wien explores the complex and often ambivalent relationship between animals and humans. It delves into the various facets of coexistence, questioning the differences and similarities between species. The exhibition investigates the blurred boundaries where shared joy and pain become so central that individual distinctions fade. It highlights the importance of shared experiences, particularly in the face of an increasingly threatened environment, over individual characteristics and abilities. The exhibition spans a broad historical range, from the Middle Ages to the present day. It brings together works in a diverse array of me

Hiva Alizadeh · Farah Al Qasimi · Herbert Boeckl · Thierry Boutonnier · Norbertine Bresslern-Roth · Josef Danhauser

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MAK – Museum of Applied Arts · MAK Permanent Collection Vienna 1900

VIENNA 1900—Everyday. A Total Work of Art

Reinstallation of the MAK Permanent Collection

Feb 25 to Aug 31, 2030

This exhibition reinterprets the MAK's permanent collection focusing on Vienna around 1900. It moves away from a linear, chronological narrative to explore the history of ideas and design during this formative epoch. The period covered spans from the first Secession exhibition in 1898 to the end of World War II. The exhibition highlights the intense exchange of ideas between architecture, painting, and applied arts in Vienna, which formed the basis of a new aesthetic under the principle of the "total work of art." It showcases the foundations laid for reform movements like the Wiener Werkstätte, the German and Austrian Werkbund, and the Bauhaus. The reorganization was conceived from an artis

Markus Schinwald

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Kunsthistorisches Museum · Coin Cabinet, 2. Stock

Head and Shoulders

Coins in Fashion

From Nov 11, 2025

€22

The exhibition "Head and Shoulders: Coins in Fashion" explores the intersection of numismatics and fashion through over a hundred coin portraits spanning more than 2,400 years of history. These small, detailed likenesses, often in profile, served not only as portraits but also as powerful symbols reflecting the Zeitgeist and cultural norms of their respective eras. Coins were ubiquitous, making their portraits the most frequently seen images of rulers, thus highlighting the importance of their styled appearance. The exhibition showcases how hairstyles, garments, and accessories depicted on coins and medals acted as time capsules, preserving elaborate styles and offering insights into past li

Alonso Sánchez Coello · Dona Juana

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Albertina

HER STORY

Women Artists of the ALBERTINA

Oct 30 to Feb 14, 2027

This exhibition, "HER STORY: Women Artists of the ALBERTINA," sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of women artists to art history. It presents a comprehensive survey of works by female artists from the Albertina's collection, spanning five centuries. The exhibition begins with early drawings and prints collected by Duke Albert and Archduchess Maria Christina. It progresses through modern artists and culminates with pioneering feminist artists from the 1970s. The exhibition aims to showcase women artists as active and influential figures who shaped their world and built significant professional networks. Visitors will encounter a diverse range of works, highlighting the entrepre

Diana Scultori · Magdalena de Passe · Maria Sibylla Merian · Angelica Kauffmann · Berthe Morisot · Käthe Kollwitz

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Albertina Modern · albertina

HER STORY

Women Artists of the ALBERTINA

Oct 30 to Feb 14, 2027

This exhibition, 'HER STORY: Women Artists of the ALBERTINA,' sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of women to art history. It presents a comprehensive survey of female artists within the Albertina's collection, spanning five centuries of artistic creation. The exhibition begins with early engravers and publishers whose works were collected by Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen and Archduchess Maria Christina of Habsburg-Lorraine. It progresses through modern artists and extends to pioneering feminist artists from the 1970s. The exhibition highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and engagement of these women, who actively explored their world and built significant professional networks.

Diana Scultori · Magdalena de Passe · Maria Sibylla Merian · Angelica Kauffmann · Berthe Morisot · Käthe Kollwitz

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Architekturzentrum Wien · Architekturzentrum Wien - Exhibition hall 2

Temporary. Structures of Necessity

Nov 5 to Apr 5, 2027

€12

This exhibition delves into temporary structures that are crucial yet often unnoticed components of urban infrastructure. It highlights how this transient layer facilitates numerous city processes, including construction, demolition, maintenance, guidance, protection, and security. These constructions, labeled as temporary, often merge with their surroundings, remaining below the level of public awareness. The exhibition aims to reveal and emphasize this essential background. The fascination with temporary utilitarian structures has been a long-standing interest for the members of KOSMOS architects, dating back to their student days. Over many years, they have amassed a collection of exampl

KOSMOS architects

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Albertina · ALBERTINA MODERN

FRANZ WEST

The Revolution of Sculpture

Nov 6 to Mar 29, 2027

The ALBERTINA Museum is presenting a retrospective exhibition dedicated to the influential artist Franz West (1947–2012). This exhibition honors what would have been his 80th birthday. Franz West was known for his nonconformist approach, characterized by a willful and humorous personality. He was a significant figure, participating in multiple editions of documenta and receiving the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2011. The exhibition highlights West's legendary Adaptives, created in the 1970s under the influence of Viennese Actionism. These prothesis-like objects were designed to be worn and held, adapting to the human body and encouraging audience interaction. Through these works, ar

Franz West

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Albertina Modern · ALBERTINA MODERN, VIENNA

FRANZ WEST

The Revolution of Sculpture

Nov 6 to Mar 29, 2027

This exhibition at ALBERTINA MODERN is a retrospective dedicated to the influential artist Franz West, celebrating what would have been his 80th birthday. West, known for his nonconformist spirit, humor, and willfulness, was a prominent figure in the art world, participating in major events like documenta and the Venice Biennale, where he received the Golden Lion. The exhibition highlights his groundbreaking work, particularly the "Adaptives" created in the 1970s under the influence of Viennese Actionism. These prothesis-like objects were designed to be worn or held, adapting to the human body and encouraging audience interaction, thus transforming art into an experience and a situation. Wes

Franz West

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Wien Museum

Franz West und Wien

Nov 6 to May 2, 2027

€9

This exhibition at the Wien Museum focuses on the profound connection between the artist Franz West and his hometown of Vienna. West, an Austrian artist who achieved international acclaim during his lifetime and was awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2011, found inspiration and provocation in Vienna. The exhibition explores how the city served as both a stage and a material for his work, incorporating elements from post-war facade colors, references to Viennese Modernism, and ironic reflections on figures like Freud and Wittgenstein. The display primarily covers West's formative years from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Visitors will encounter prominent and lesser-known wo

Franz West

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Künstlerhaus Wien · Obergeschoß

LINDA CHRISTANELL

Die Gaben der Göttin

Nov 7 to Feb 7, 2027

This exhibition at Künstlerhaus Wien showcases Linda Christanell, a pioneering figure of the feminist avant-garde. It represents her largest solo exhibition to date and highlights her significant contributions to art. Christanell began her artistic journey in the mid-1960s with drawings and paintings that showed influences of Cubism, form deconstruction, and symbolic abstraction, positioning her as an avant-garde artist in Austria. By the end of the decade, she explored experimental objects using Plexiglas, textiles, and foam, often integrating them with her own body. For several years, she collaborated with Renate Bertlmann as the BC Kollektiv, focusing on photography and particularly film.

Linda Christanell

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Albertina

ARNULF RAINER

Nov 12 to Apr 25, 2027

This exhibition celebrates the significant Austrian artist Arnulf Rainer, born in 1929 and who passed away in late 2025. Rainer was a pivotal figure in post-1945 international art, known for his uncompromising and innovative approach to painting over a career spanning seven decades. Driven by a resistance to National Socialism's restrictions, he pursued artistic independence and autonomy from the outset. His radical "overpaintings" of the 1950s gained him international recognition and a prominent place in the art historical canon. These works exemplify his unconventional stance and personal expression. The exhibition also features his "soliloquies in front of the camera" from the late 1960s,

Arnulf Rainer

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Albertina Modern · ALBERTINA, VIENNA

ARNULF RAINER

Nov 12 to Apr 25, 2027

Arnulf Rainer, born in 1929 and deceased in late 2025, was a pivotal figure in post-1945 Austrian and international art. He is recognized as an uncompromising innovator who dedicated over seven decades to exploring the boundaries of painting. Rainer's artistic journey began with a strong resistance against the restrictions of National Socialism, fueling his pursuit of independence and autonomy. His radical "overpaintings" from the 1950s gained him international acclaim and a significant place in the post-war art world, demonstrating his defiance of conventions. In the late 1960s, he created the "soliloquies in front of the camera," leading to the "Face Farces" series. These photographic self

Arnulf Rainer

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Kunst Haus Wien

Renata Poljak

Nov 12 to Mar 14, 2027

This exhibition by Renata Poljak, curated by Basak Senova, explores the sea as a connecting force between islands, personal and collective histories, migration, and displacement. It delves into the ecological crisis and future hopes, using water as a central reference point for social and political systems, people, and their environment. The exhibition confronts pressing issues of climate crisis, resource scarcity, migration, and environmental justice. Visitors will encounter a body of work that uses the sea to bridge disparate elements. The artworks examine the complex relationship between humanity and the marine environment. Themes of separation, transition, and hope are visually represent

Renata Poljak

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Kunsthalle Wien · Kunsthalle Wien Museumsquartier

Tiffany Sia, Overt Listening

Nov 13 to Jan 24, 2027

Kunsthalle Wien presents the first institutional solo exhibition in Austria by Tiffany Sia. The exhibition, titled Overt Listening, centers around a new film that explores the Kinmen Islands in Taiwan, located near the Chinese coast. These islands have been a site of strategic tension since the Chinese Civil War, with Cold War legacies still influencing daily life. The exhibition is conceived as a spatial installation across the ground floor of Kunsthalle Wien's Museumsquartier spaces. It features newly conceived works that investigate how histories of conflict manifest in landscapes, infrastructures, media, and communication systems. The exhibition unfolds through interconnected chapters, m

Tiffany Sia

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Architekturzentrum Wien · Architekturzentrum Wien - Gallery

Good architecture needs good clients

BHP26 ON TOUR

Nov 19 to Dec 9

Free

This exhibition, titled "Good architecture needs good clients," showcases the winners of the 2026 Client Award and all projects selected by the nomination juries. The award, presented since 1967 by the Central Association of Architects of Austria, honors outstanding projects that serve as models in architectural quality, execution, social commitment, and innovation. The exhibition highlights what is currently being built in Austria, focusing on the themes shaping the construction field. It emphasizes the diversity of responsible and future-oriented building culture. A key aspect is the intensive and collaborative partnership between clients and architects, where courage, responsibility, and

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Kunsthalle Wien

Magali Reus, Tenant

Nov 27 to May 2, 2027

Magali Reus, born in Den Haag in 1981, is an artist whose meticulously fabricated sculptures are featured in this exhibition titled 'Tenant' at Kunsthalle Wien. Her practice involves a diverse range of materials and artisanal techniques, including casting, forging, wicker weaving, and embroidery. These are combined with machine processes such as plating, laser cutting, and 3D printing, showcasing a sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary methods. Reus's works often take the form of vessels, drawing upon historical and contemporary references from fine arts, graphic design, and industrial design. She also incorporates her personal motifs into these forms. Examples of her distincti

Magali Reus

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Kunsthalle Wien · Kunsthalle Wien Karlsplatz

Kunsthalle Wien Preis 2026

Dec 3 to Feb 7, 2027

The Kunsthalle Wien Prize 2026 showcases the work of Lotti Brockmann and Valentino Skarwan, two emerging artists living and working in Vienna. This annual prize, now in its 23rd year, aims to support young artists and foster discourse on contemporary art by collaborating with Vienna's prominent art universities. The prize is awarded by a jury of experts to a graduate from each of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and the University of Applied Arts Vienna. It serves as a crucial bridge between academic training and professional artistic careers, introducing the artists' work to a wider audience. Lotti Brockmann's contribution, 'Ten Agents of Deterioration,' is a performance and installation tha

Lotti Brockmann · Valentino Skarwan

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Architekturzentrum Wien · Alpinarium Galtür

Toourism

Dec 8 to Apr 11, 2027

The successful exhibition 'Toourism', curated by the Architekturzentrum Wien (Az W), is being presented in Galtür. This exhibition explores the profound impacts of modern tourism on the built environment, social structures, and the global climate. It questions how we can envision a form of tourism that sustains the very foundations of its existence. While tourism has historically brought economic benefits, prosperity, and cosmopolitanism to remote areas, it also presents significant challenges. These include overcrowding, substantial alterations to local ecosystems, and escalating land prices. Tourist hotspots often bear the brunt of visitor influx, leaving other locations neglected. The exh

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Wien Museum · musa

Horror. Angst und Anziehung

Jan 21, 2027 to Jan 23, 2028

Free

The exhibition 'Horror. Angst und Anziehung' (Horror. Fear and Attraction) explores the booming phenomenon of horror in contemporary culture. It examines why monsters, nightmares, violence, and the grotesque captivate us, reflecting the anxieties of a present marked by crises and uncertainty. Despite our fear, we are drawn to look. This exhibition delves into this fascination using the contemporary art collection of the City of Vienna. It showcases how artists give form to fears and societal crises, creating new images of terror or reinterpreting familiar horror motifs. The exhibition reveals the dark sides of our world and the magnetic pull they exert on us. Visitors will encounter a divers

Annemarie Arzberger · Julia Belova · Lieselott Beschorner · Linda Bilda · Lena Brauer · Margarete Cech-Munteanu

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Albertina · ALBERTINA MODERN, VIENNA

DOWN UNDER

Art from Australia

Apr 23, 2027 to Sep 5, 2027

This exhibition, titled "DOWN UNDER," showcases the breadth and diversity of Australian First Nations art. It features paintings of monumental beauty and power that convey histories and knowledge passed down through many generations. The exhibition brings together works by artists and artist collectives from various regions, including Papunya, Utopia, Balgo, and Warmun. Among the featured artists is Emily Kame Kngwarreye (1910–1996), a globally recognized figure in Indigenous Australian art. Kngwarreye began painting on canvas late in life, producing a prolific and extensive body of work in her final eight years. The exhibition draws significantly from the ALBERTINA Museum’s substantial coll

Emily Kame Kngwarreye · Destiny Deacon · Tracey Moffatt · Nyunmiti Burton · Gloria Tamerre Petyarre

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Albertina Modern

DOWN UNDER

Art from Australia

Apr 23, 2027 to Sep 5, 2027

This exhibition showcases the breadth and diversity of Australian First Nations art, focusing on paintings of monumental beauty and power that convey histories and knowledge passed down through generations. It brings together works by artists and artist collectives from various regions including Papunya, Utopia, Balgo, and Warmun. A central figure highlighted is Emily Kame Kngwarreye, one of Australia's most internationally renowned artists, who began painting in her late 70s and produced a prolific body of work in the final eight years of her life. The exhibition draws significantly from the ALBERTINA Museum’s unique and extensive holdings of Australian art, which include approximately 100

Emily Kame Kngwarreye · Destiny Deacon · Tracey Moffatt · Nyunmiti Burton · Gloria Tamerre Petyarre

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