The Albertina is located in the first district of Vienna, right next to the Hofburg Palace gardens and the city’s Opera House. As soon as you arrive in the area where the Albertina is located, you will feel like you are stepping back in time to the glorious days of the Austrian Empire. At the foot of the museum is Albertina Square, where coachmen stand leisurely with their horse-drawn carriages. The square is bustling with Viennese coffee houses and, of course, surrounded by magnificent historical buildings. If you are an art lover, the Albertina is the place for you! You can combine a visit to this gallery with a visit to the equally impressive Museum of Art History. At the end of your visit to the gallery, you can dine at the Albertina’s prestigious restaurant, called Do&Co.
In this article, you can read about the palace that houses the gallery/museum, the collections on display, and Albertina Square with its attractions.
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The Story of the Palace Housing the Gallery
Once the residential palace of the Habsburgs, the Albertina stands on the site of the former Augustine Fortress. Originally known as Palais Taroucca, it eventually passed to Duke Albert, who was the husband of Maria Christina (the favorite daughter of Maria Theresa).
Duke Albert was a great art collector, and his many collections were scattered in various places. Some were stored in Bratislava Castle, which served as his residence for many years, and some were in Brussels, where he served as a regional governor. To centralize and preserve his collections in one place, Duke Albert decided to bring the artworks to Vienna and store them in the palace where the gallery is located today.
As a former royal residence, the building is defined by exceptional splendor. Its rooms glow in vibrant shades of yellow, green, and turquoise, adorned with intricate sculptures, gilded wall carvings, and massive chandeliers. Many 18th-century original furnishings remain, while the outer courtyard is dominated by an impressive equestrian statue of Emperor Joseph II.
In 1919, the palace became the property of the Austrian Republic, and its treasures were merged with the Imperial Library collections. It was officially renamed the Albertina in 1921 to honor the Duke. Though severely damaged by Allied air raids in 1945, a meticulous, multi-stage restoration process—completed in 2008—has successfully returned the gallery to its former imperial glory.
The Gallery’s Collections and Exhibitions
The collection of works in the Albertina gallery is one of the largest and most important in the world. The collection includes about 65,000 drawings and approximately one million ancient and modern artworks. Among its famous works are pieces like “Hare” and “Praying Hands” by Albrecht Dürer, as well as paintings by Schiele, Gustav Klimt, Kokoschka, Picasso, and Rauschenberg.
As part of the permanent exhibition, there are various works that reflect the artistic movements and trends of the last 130 years from all over Europe. The interesting collection recently displayed in the gallery includes modern art by famous artists such as Monet, Picasso, Chagall, and Baselitz.
This is what the State Rooms in the Albertina look like
Click to order entry tickets to the Albertina
Albertina Square
The beautiful plaza outside the gallery is called Albertina Square. The square is an attraction in itself. In the square, coachmen stand leisurely with their horse-drawn carriages, and you can take an enjoyable tour with them through the old city. In the center of the square is a special monument against war and fascism.Alfred Hrdlicka created it in 1988. The monument now stands on the site of what was once a grand building that bombing destroyed during World War II, burying all its occupants under the rubble. The monument serves as a reminder of a dark chapter in Austrian history and honors all victims of war and fascism.
Besides that, the square is bustling with Viennese coffee houses and, of course, surrounded by magnificent historical buildings. You can sit for a cup of coffee and cake at the Viennese “Café Mozart.” It is a place loved by locals and tourists alike.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Opening Hours:
- The gallery is open every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- On Wednesdays and Fridays, the gallery is open until 9:00 PM.
Costs:
- Adult: €19.90
- Student (up to 26): €15.90
- Senior (65+): €15.90
- Children and youths up to 19: Free
- Guided tour of the gallery: An additional €6 to the entrance fee
- Audio guide: An additional €5 to the entrance fee
- More information on ticket prices
Purchase entry tickets to the Albertina directly from your mobile phone
Accessibility:
The venue is accessible and equipped for people with disabilities.
How to get to the Albertina by public transport?
The location of the Albertina is very central, and you can reach it easily by using Vienna’s excellent public transport system.
- Subway: You can take the subway to Karlsplatz station and from there walk for about 5 minutes. The U1 (red line), U2 (purple line), and U4 (green line) subway lines stop at this station. You should exit the station at the Opera (Oper) exit, and from there, it is about a 5-minute walk. Another option is to take the U3 subway line (orange line) and get off at the central cathedral station of Vienna (Stephansplatz) and from there walk for about 15 minutes through the beautiful streets of the old city.
- Tram: Due to the gallery’s proximity to the Ringstrasse, there are many trams that pass nearby. You can take lines 1, 2, 62, 71, and D and get off at the Kärntner Ring/Oper station. From there, it is about a 5-minute walk.
- Bus: Bus line 2A arrives right next to the gallery. You should get off at the Albertina stop.
Official Website
Address: Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Wien
Map:
After visiting the Albertina, you can continue to wander around the first district and the old city. Read about the best attractions in this area of central Vienna.
