The story of the Museums Quartier

You must visit the Museums Quartier if you are into contemporary art!

I am sure some of you have walked past or even visited Vienna’s Museums Quartier (MQ) before. Today I want to tell you a bit more about the history of one of the largest districts for contemporary art worldwide.

Opposite the Hofburg new court stables were built between 1719 and 1723. They were built based on plans made by the architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The court-stable building offered space for about 600 horses. About 100 years later, in 1815, and from 1850-1854, the buildings were expanded and renovated.

In 1921 the Wiener Messe (Viennese Trade Fair) moved into the empty buildings. They used them for events between spring and autumn. For some years even a Christmas market was held in front of the building.

In 2001 the Kunsthalle (art gallery) and the MuseumsQuartier were inaugurated. Today the MQ is a platform for artistic creation, new discourses, and the exchange of ideas. But it is also a nice spot for relaxing and winding down, especially in summer when you can sit down on one of the colourful benches while the sun is shining.

The Leopoldmuseum is home to the largest collection of works by Egon Schiele. It also houses an exhibition of modernist Austrian art. If you visit the MQ in the evening, visit their MQ Libelle, a rooftop terrace, which offers a beautiful view over the city.

Make sure to check out our private tours, we have a focus on the history of Vienna, especially the city’s secrets and hidden posts. Also follow us on Instagram, to stay up-to-date with upcoming events.