Vienna is the most beautiful city in the world - the capital of Austria. It is also considered one of the largest cultural centers. The whole world is famous for the wonderful Vienna Opera, which is definitely worth a visit to all lovers of the beautiful. In addition, the city has a whole Museum Quarter, consisting of the large Kunsthalle Exhibition Center and the Leopold Museum. The latter is very popular among tourists. Here you can see the best canvases by masters of expressionism and much more interesting things. In the article we will tell you where the Leopold Museum is located, opening hours, the cost of admission, as well as an overview of the most popular art exhibitions.
The story of one collector
The appearance of the museum is associated with the name of Rudolf Leopold. This famous Viennese ophthalmologist became famous not only for his medical activities, but also went down in history as a connoisseur of beauty. He collected a huge number of paintings by masters of modernism, impressionism and expressionism. The collection of Rudolph and his wife Elizabeth consisted of 5,000 paintings.
Soon, the Austrian authorities decided to acquire it and create an art museum in the center of Vienna. In 1994, a decree was adopted recognizing the Leopold collection as national Austrian heritage. In mid-1999, the construction of the museum complex began. In the fall of 2001, everyone could see it and enjoy the masterpieces. The director of the museum was the collector of the collection - Rudolph Leopold. After the death of the professor, his son took his place. He leads the museum to the present. Read on and you will find out even more interesting information about this unique place.
Leopold Museum in Vienna: interior
The building project was developed by the famous Austrian construction company Ortner and Ortner. In shape, it resembles a perfect cube covered with an unusual white shell rock. Beautiful stained glass windows offer stunning views of Maria Theresa Square. In addition, they fill the entire space of museum halls with bright sunlight. All 4 floors of the building are filled with art canvases. Each can stand for hours. These are the best paintings of representatives of the classical Viennese art school, as well as the work of representatives of a new trend. A pleasant atmosphere reigns inside the building, all conditions are created so that visitors can fully enjoy the works of the Leopold Museum. Comfortable soft chairs with small tables provide an opportunity to sit and discuss what they saw. On the top floor of the museum there is a huge window from which a wonderful view of Vienna opens. Here, everyone can enjoy the gorgeous view of the city.
The visit begins with the Great Atrium. On the ground floor there are graphic works. On the second floor, the main value of the Leopold Museum is a collection of paintings by Egone Schiele, as well as interesting information about his life and his search for a creative path. On the third floor there are thematic exhibitions and the works of Gerstl, Waldmüller, Moser, Kokoshki, Romako are presented.
Useful information for visitors
The Leopold Museum is located in the very center of Vienna, at the Museum Square, 1st building. Thanks to the unique design, the building immediately catches the eye. Therefore, you definitely will not pass by it. You can get here by metro (though you have to take a little walk) or by public transport. Buses and taxis reach almost Museum Square. Opening hours of the Leopold Museum: Monday to Sunday from 10-00 to 18-00. The exception is Thursday. On this day, the museum awaits visitors from 10-00 to 21-00. The day off is Tuesday. Admission is expressed in euros. For adult visitors - 13 euros (about 950 rubles), for pensioners (upon presentation of documents confirming the benefits) - 9.5 (about 700 rubles), for students and schoolchildren - 8 (about 600 rubles), children under 7 can to visit here for free. Tickets for visiting the Leopold Museum can be bought at the box office (they finish working an hour earlier) or at electronic terminals.
Collections of paintings by Egone Schiele and Gustav Klimt
Now let's talk about the main treasure of the Leopold Museum in Vienna - paintings by the ingenious Austrian expressionist Egon Schiele. Here is a complete collection of 42 canvases, more than 100 pencil sketches made by the artist. The visitor will be able to see such works as The Setting Sun, Cardinal and Nun, Dead City and many others. You can also see his personal belongings and interesting correspondence with relatives and friends. The paintings are placed in chronological order, having carefully studied them, you can trace the creative development of the artist and his search for his own style. His works cause different sensations, but nobody will remain indifferent.
Great influence on the formation of the creative personality of Egone had a picture of Gustav Klimt. His works are truly attractive, contemplating them, you can spend far more than one hour. The following paintings by Klimt are presented in the Leopold Museum: "Quiet Pond", "Death and Life" and others.
Place to relax
The museum complex has a special shop with souvenirs. It is located on the ground floor. Here visitors can buy not very expensive souvenirs (umbrellas, pens, t-shirts, books on art and graphics). You can also purchase a detailed map of the museum, which describes the most popular paintings exhibited in the museum. Going upstairs, you can visit the wonderful cafe "Leopold". Here you can rest and try the most delicious apple strudel and delicious cappuccino. Prices are quite affordable.
Leopold Museum: visitor reviews
Guests of the complex are usually completely delighted after visiting it. They advise everyone who has not been to the Leopold Museum to visit it.
People write that the impressions are the most pleasant. Unique decor and bewitching paintings. Especially like the exhibition of works by Schiele. The emotions from them are difficult to convey in words, they need to be seen. Many say that it is imperative that if the opportunity arises, they will come here again.
People are madly in love with the view from the huge windows to the square. It is praised that there are places inside where you can relax and sit. The paintings are called unrealistically cool.
This museum is worth a visit to everyone, you certainly will not regret it. A nice bonus is a cafe with delicious desserts.