Located in Vienna's Innere Stadt (First District) bordering the Hofburg, the Albertina is an art museum set within a historic palace built on the Augustinian Bastion. You will discover one of the largest and most important print rooms in the world, holding around 65,000 drawings and roughly 1 million old master prints, alongside modern graphic works, architectural drawings, and photographs. Beyond graphics, you can explore permanent displays from two significant loans of Impressionist and early 20th-century art, including the long-term Batliner collection.
The museum's vast holdings also feature contemporary works, such as the Essl Collection with pieces by artists like Alex Katz and Cindy Sherman, as well as temporary exhibitions. Originally refurbished as the Palais Taroucca in 1744 and expanded over generations by Habsburg royals like Duke Albert Casimir of Teschen, the palace carries a rich, complex history. The building suffered heavy damage during World War II bomb attacks in 1945, but was subsequently rebuilt, modernized, and updated with a distinctive entrance roof designed by architect Hans Hollein.
Whether you are drawn to master graphics, post-1945 art, or architectural history, visiting this world-renowned museum offers an enriching, unforgettable experience in the heart of Vienna.
What to see at Albertina
- World-renowned print room with approximately 65,000 drawings and 1 million old master prints
- Impressionist and early 20th-century art on display, including the Batliner collection
- Essl Collection featuring contemporary works by artists like Alex Katz and Cindy Sherman
- Historic palace set on the Augustinian Bastion bordering the Hofburg
- Modernized entrance sequence crowned by Hans Hollein's distinctive roof design
Visiting tips
Take time to appreciate the museum's complex history, including ongoing research into artworks looted during the Nazi era.
How long: 1-3 hours · Best time: Not specified
How to get there & what’s nearby
Albertina 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.
See the full Vienna travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.