Academy of Fine Arts Vienna 🇦🇹

Step into a deep tradition of artistic excellence at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Founded in 1688 as a private academy, this historic institution stands today as a public university housed in a grand building on Schillerplatz along Vienna's Ringstraße boulevard. Designed by Theophil Hansen and inaugurated in 1877, the structure itself is an architectural treasure featuring impressive interior ceiling frescos created by Anselm Feuerbach.

Art lovers visiting this renowned center of creativity will appreciate its rich history and remarkable public collections. The core of its display stems from the significant 1822 bequest of Anton Franz de Paula Graf Lamberg-Sprinzenstein. Today, you can explore portions of its extraordinary holdings, which rank among the largest in Austria.

Highlights open for public viewing include an extensive library housing approximately 110,000 volumes, alongside a celebrated etching cabinet (Kupferstichkabinett) containing roughly 150,000 historic drawings and prints. Whether you are admiring 19th-century architecture or discovering vast academic holdings, a visit offers a fascinating glimpse into European art history.

What to see at Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

• Historic building on Schillerplatz designed by Ringstraße architect Theophil Hansen
• Interior ceiling frescos painted by Anselm Feuerbach
• Major art collections founded on the 1822 Lamberg-Sprinzenstein bequest
• Etching cabinet (Kupferstichkabinett) featuring around 150,000 drawings and prints
• Vast library housing approximately 110,000 volumes

Visiting tips

Be sure to look up while inside the main building to appreciate the historic ceiling frescos painted by Anselm Feuerbach.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is easy to reach on Vienna’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Vienna travel guide.