The Leopold Museum in Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier focuses on Austrian art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its collection is especially known for Egon Schiele, with works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and Richard Gerstl tracing the shift from Vienna Secession to modernism. Look for Schiele’s portraits, Klimt’s “Death and Life” and art connected to the Wiener Werkstätte. The white, five-storey building has a clean modern design that contrasts with the former imperial stables around it. Allow a morning or afternoon to explore.
A collection built around Austrian modernism
The Leopold Museum is part of Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier, a cultural complex that occupies the site of the former imperial stables. Its collection centres on Austrian art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when artists associated with the Vienna Secession and later modernist movements broke with more conservative traditions.
The museum grew from the collection of Rudolf and Elisabeth Leopold. Rudolf began collecting in the 1950s, with Egon Schiele among the artists he acquired. The couple’s collection became the core of the museum, which opened in 2001.
Schiele, Klimt and their contemporaries
Egon Schiele is the collection’s central draw. The museum holds the largest collection of his work, including paintings and works on paper. His self-portraits and portraits show his distinctive treatment of the body, line and colour. “Self-portrait with Physalis” is among the works associated with the permanent “Vienna 1900” exhibition.
Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and Richard Gerstl are also represented. Klimt’s “Death and Life” is a notable work to look for. Together, these artists give the collection a view of Austrian art around the turn of the 20th century and the changes that followed.
More than paintings
The collection includes sculpture, graphic art, illustration, furniture and decorative objects, as well as paintings. Look for pieces linked to the Wiener Werkstätte, the Vienna workshop whose artists and designers worked across fine and applied arts. This broader range helps place paintings within the visual culture of the period.
The museum also presents temporary exhibitions, so the displays can extend beyond the permanent focus on Austrian modernism. Check the programme before your visit if you want to see a particular artist or exhibition.
The building and its setting
The museum occupies a white, cube-shaped building with five floors of exhibition space. Its modern design stands apart from the former imperial stables and the older architecture around the MuseumsQuartier. The museum’s upper levels also include a terrace with views over the city. Access to the terrace is possible without admission via turnstiles on the ground floor.
Planning your visit
Set aside a morning or afternoon if you want time for the collection and any temporary exhibitions. The museum is at Museumsplatz 1 in the MuseumsQuartier, alongside other museums, cafés and public spaces. Its website lists current exhibitions and visitor information.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, restroom and parking. Water bottles may not be permitted inside, and there are no water fountains in the building, so plan to drink before entering.
FAQ
What is the Leopold Museum known for?
It focuses on Austrian art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the world’s largest collection of works by Egon Schiele. The collection also includes works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and Richard Gerstl.
How long should you spend at the Leopold Museum?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours for the collection and any temporary exhibitions.
Can you visit the Leopold Museum terrace without a ticket?
Yes. The top-floor terrace can be accessed through turnstiles on the ground floor without museum admission.
Is the Leopold Museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom and parking.
