Kunsthistorisches Museum Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) is one of the world's great art museums, built in 1891 to house the vast collections of the Habsburg dynasty. Its holdings span 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Old Master paintings by Vermeer, Raphael, Caravaggio, and the world's largest Bruegel collection. The building itself is a masterwork, with a grand marble staircase, painted ceilings, and an ornate cafe under the cupola.

The museum received the "COME-IN!" award for its commitment to comprehensive accessibility. All collections, restrooms, event rooms, the shop, and the cafe are accessible via two elevators from the barrier-free side entrance at Burgring 5. Wheelchairs are available free of charge with advance reservation. The museum also offers tactile reliefs that allow blind and visually impaired visitors to feel the composition of selected paintings.

Getting There

• U-Bahn: Museumsquartier (U2) is a 5-minute roll. Volkstheater (U2, U3) is also nearby. Both stations have elevators.
• Tram: Tram 1, 2, D, or 46 to Burgring. The side entrance is directly on Burgring.
• Accessible entrance: The barrier-free entrance is at Burgring 5 (the side entrance, not the main facade on Maria-Theresien-Platz). Staff greet visitors here and accompany them into the building and to the elevators. Five disabled parking spaces are at Heldenplatz, and two more are at the side entrance (weekdays only).

Wheelchair Accessibility

• All collections are accessible from the side entrance at Burgring 5 via two elevators. Elevator dimensions: 99 cm door width, 130 cm cabin depth, 150 cm cabin width.
• Free wheelchair loans are available with advance reservation. Email [email protected] at least one day before your visit.
• The grand marble staircase is the main feature of the entrance hall, but you bypass it entirely using the elevators from the side entrance.
• Gallery doorways and corridors are wide. Floors are smooth stone or parquet throughout.
• Tactile reliefs allow visitors to feel the basic composition of selected paintings. Audio descriptions accompany the tactile displays.
• Barrier-free guided tours are available on request (60 minutes for 40 EUR, 90 minutes for 90 EUR). Contact [email protected] or call +43 1 525 24-5202.
• "Barriere_FREI_Tag" inclusive tours take place on Fridays at 3:00pm.

Accessible Toilets

The museum has five barrier-free toilets, located on the lower first floor, upper first floor, and first floor. All have grab rails, emergency pull cords, and adequate wheelchair turning space.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Use the side entrance at Burgring 5, not the main entrance on Maria-Theresien-Platz. Staff at the side entrance will assist you.
• Reserve a wheelchair at least one day in advance by emailing [email protected].
• The cafe under the cupola on the first floor is accessible by elevator and has a stunning painted ceiling. It is a worthwhile stop even if you are not hungry.
• The Picture Gallery on the first floor is the museum's highlight, with the Bruegel room drawing the largest crowds. Visit on a Thursday evening (open until 9:00pm) for a quieter experience.
• Under 19 enters free. Visitors with disabilities receive a reduced ticket price with valid ID.
• Sign language tours are offered online. Check the museum website for the schedule.
• Plan at least 2 to 3 hours. The collection is vast. Focus on one or two sections per visit to avoid fatigue.
• The Natural History Museum is directly across Maria-Theresien-Platz and makes a natural pairing for a full museum day.
• The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection on the ground floor is accessible by elevator and features sarcophagi, mummies, and artifacts spanning thousands of years.
• The Coin Cabinet on the second floor holds one of the world's largest numismatic collections. It is accessible by elevator.
• Photography without flash is permitted in the permanent collection.
• The museum shop on the ground floor is step-free and has wide aisles for wheelchair access.
• For accessibility questions, email [email protected] or call +43 1 525 24-5202.
• The museum building itself is a work of art, with ceiling paintings by Gustav and Ernst Klimt, Hans Makart, and others. Look up as you move between galleries.
• A combined ticket with the Weltmuseum Wien (World Museum) in the Neue Burg wing of the Hofburg is available and offers good value if you plan to visit both.
• Cloakrooms are available on the ground floor, step-free from the side entrance.
• The Kunstkammer (Chamber of Art and Wonders) on the ground floor houses some of the most unusual objects, including Benvenuto Cellini's gold salt cellar. It is fully accessible.
• Service dogs are permitted throughout the museum.
• The museum exterior on Maria-Theresien-Platz is worth admiring even if you do not go inside. The identical facade of the Natural History Museum across the square creates a striking symmetrical view.
• The museum is closed on Mondays from September through May. In summer (June through August), it is open daily.