Hundertwasserhaus and Kunst Haus Wien Accessibility Guide

Overview

Hundertwasserhaus is a colorful apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, completed in 1985. Its wavy floors, tree-filled balconies, mosaic facades, and lack of straight lines make it one of Vienna's most photographed buildings. The building is a private residence, so you can only view the exterior from the street. About a 10-minute walk away, Kunst Haus Wien houses the permanent Hundertwasser museum collection and hosts changing exhibitions. Kunst Haus Wien is fully wheelchair accessible, with a barrier-free side entrance, elevator access to all exhibition levels, and an accessible toilet on the ground floor. The Hundertwasserhaus exterior is viewable from flat public sidewalks.

Getting There

• U-Bahn: Rochusgasse (U3) is the closest metro station with elevator access. From there, it is about a 10-minute roll east on flat streets to the Hundertwasserhaus.
• Tram: Line 1 stops at Hetzgasse, which is about a 5-minute roll from both the Hundertwasserhaus and Kunst Haus Wien.
• Bus: Route 4A stops close to the Hundertwasserhaus on Kegelgasse.
• Between the two sites: The walk from Hundertwasserhaus to Kunst Haus Wien is about 600 meters on flat sidewalks, heading north along Lowengasse and then Untere Weissgerberstrasse.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Hundertwasserhaus (Exterior)

• The building is viewed from the public sidewalk on Kegelgasse and Lowengasse. Both streets are flat and paved.
• The sidewalk directly in front of the building has a small tourist shop (Hundertwasser Village) across the street. The shop has a step-free entrance but tight interior spaces.
• You cannot enter the Hundertwasserhaus itself as it is a residential building.

Kunst Haus Wien (Museum)

• Barrier-free access is via the side entrance to the left of the main entrance, equipped with an automatic sliding door.
• All exhibition levels are reachable by elevator with wide doors.
• All public areas, including the cafe and museum shop, are barrier-free.
• A tactile floor plan is available in the foyer for orientation.
• Some exhibition floors feature Hundertwasser's trademark uneven surfaces, which may feel bumpy under wheelchair wheels but are navigable.
• Assistance dogs are welcome at all times.
• Wheelchairs are available on request. Email [email protected] in advance to reserve one.

Accessible Toilets

• Kunst Haus Wien: A barrier-free toilet is located on the ground floor in the foyer.
• Hundertwasserhaus area: No dedicated accessible public toilets are available near the building. The Hundertwasser Village shop across the street has a toilet, but it may not be fully accessible. Use the Kunst Haus Wien toilet before or after your visit.

Tips for Visitors

• Accompanying persons for visitors with disabilities enter Kunst Haus Wien free of charge.
• The museum is not large. Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the permanent Hundertwasser collection and any temporary exhibition.
• The uneven floors inside the museum are intentional and part of the Hundertwasser experience. They are manageable in a wheelchair but may be uncomfortable on long visits. Take breaks in the cafe, which has flat flooring and accessible seating.
• Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum.
• The cafe on the ground floor serves coffee and light meals. It has movable tables and chairs with good wheelchair access.
• The museum shop near the entrance has wide aisles and is wheelchair-friendly.
• The area around the Hundertwasserhaus can get crowded with tour groups, especially around midday. Visit early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience at the exterior.
• Combine this visit with Stadtpark, which is about a 15-minute roll west on flat streets.
• The Hundertwasserhaus neighborhood in the 3rd district is quieter and more residential than the city center. The streets are generally well-maintained with flat sidewalks.
• If you are interested in more of Hundertwasser's work, the Spittelau waste incineration plant (designed by Hundertwasser) is visible from the U4/U6 Spittelau station. Its colorful exterior can be seen from the platform.
• The museum hosts temporary exhibitions alongside the permanent Hundertwasser collection. Check the website for current shows before your visit.
• Allow about 2.5 to 3 hours total for both locations (museum plus exterior viewing), including travel time between the two sites.