Attraction
Schönbrunn Palace
The Habsburgs' 1,441-room summer palace in Hietzing, with state apartments, formal Baroque gardens, the Gloriette and the world's oldest working zoo in its grounds.
Leopold Museum
A white limestone museum in the MuseumsQuartier built around Rudolf and Elisabeth Leopold's collection, with the world's largest group of works by Egon Schiele.
At a glance
- Type
- Modern art museum
- Area
- MuseumsQuartier, Vienna, Austria
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesday) · 10:00–18:00
- Official site
- leopoldmuseum.org
Good to know
- Open on public holidays
- Café
- Museum shop
Why we recommend it
The Leopold Museum is the place to understand Vienna around 1900. It grew out of the private collection of the ophthalmologist Rudolf Leopold and his wife Elisabeth, who spent five decades buying Austrian art at a time when much of it was unfashionable. Their collection of more than 5,000 works passed to a foundation, and the museum opened in 2001 in a white limestone cube in the courtyard of the MuseumsQuartier.
The museum holds the world's largest collection of works by Egon Schiele, including paintings, drawings and watercolours that range from tender portraits to the raw self-portraits for which he is best known. Gustav Klimt is represented by Death and Life and other paintings, and the rooms devoted to the Vienna Secession and the Wiener Werkstätte show furniture, glass, silver and graphic design by Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Otto Wagner. Richard Gerstl, Oskar Kokoschka and later Austrian painters complete the picture. The displays are arranged over several floors, and windows on the upper levels look out over the MuseumsQuartier towards the Hofburg.
The museum suits anyone interested in Klimt, Schiele and Viennese design, and it pairs well with the Belvedere, which covers some of the same artists in a palace setting. Allow two hours, or more if a large temporary exhibition is on. Some of Schiele's work is explicit, which is worth knowing if you are visiting with younger children.
The museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00 on Monday and from Wednesday to Sunday, and closed on Tuesdays, although it opens daily in some holiday periods. It is open on most public holidays, but the museum notes that hours can change, so check its website or call ahead before a visit at a particular time.
The MuseumsQuartier is across the Ring from the Hofburg, next to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Museumsquartier station on the U2 and Volkstheater on the U2 and U3 are both within a couple of minutes' walk. The courtyards around the museum have cafés, bars and the colourful Enzi seats where people sit out on summer evenings, and mumok and the Kunsthalle Wien are next door, so it is easy to make a full day of the museums here.
Leopold Museum FAQs
What is the Leopold Museum known for?
The world's largest collection of works by Egon Schiele, plus Klimt and Viennese art and design around 1900.
When is the Leopold Museum closed?
It is usually closed on Tuesdays and opens 10:00 to 18:00 on other days, with daily opening in some holiday periods.
How long should I allow?
Around two hours for the permanent collection.
Is it suitable for children?
Older children can enjoy it, but some of Schiele's works are explicit.
Where is the Leopold Museum?
In the MuseumsQuartier at Museumsplatz 1, opposite the Hofburg across the Ring.
How do I get there?
Take the U2 to Museumsquartier or the U2 or U3 to Volkstheater.
Is it open on public holidays?
Yes, on most public holidays, though hours can change, so check before you go.
What else is nearby?
mumok, the Kunsthalle Wien, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the cafés in the MuseumsQuartier courtyards.