Belvedere 21 Vienna: Contemporary Art Museum & Visitor Tips

Belvedere 21, often still called the 21er Haus, is a museum of contemporary art in Vienna's 3rd district (Landstraße). The building was originally designed in 1958 by the renowned architect Karl Schwanzer as the Austrian pavilion for the World's Fair in Brussels. After being rebuilt in the 1960s, it served as a museum of modern art. Since its extensive renovation in 2011 it has been a branch of the Belvedere, devoted to the work of Austrian and international contemporary artists.

The building is an architectural highlight of postwar modernism: large expanses of glass, floating ceilings and open spaces create a light-filled setting for art. Inside, changing exhibitions focus on photography, media art and performance-based formats. A particular highlight is the Essl Collection, part of which is shown here. The grounds outside are part of the museum concept too, with a sculpture park and installations for enjoying art in the open air.

Belvedere 21 sets out not only to show art but also to spark debate: talks, performances and film screenings open the space to current social issues. The museum restaurant, Lucy Bar, invites you to linger with creative food and a view of the greenery. If you are interested in architecture, take a close look at Schwanzer's original concept, which is still regarded as an icon of postwar architecture. Belvedere 21 is an insider tip for anyone who wants to discover Vienna off the classic tourist trail.

Highlights

- Iconic architecture by Karl Schwanzer
- Contemporary art & the Essl Collection
- Outdoor sculpture park

wheelchair accessible
Wi-Fi available
kid-friendly
Food and drink on site
near Vienna Central Station

Address: Arsenalstraße 1/21er Haus, 1030 Vienna
Get directions

The standouts are the changing exhibitions of contemporary art, the Essl Collection and the sculpture park outside, which is open to the public.

You can buy tickets for Belvedere 21 on its own or as a combined ticket that also includes the Upper and Lower Belvedere. Reduced prices are available for school pupils, students and seniors.

The museum is just a few minutes' walk from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof). Tram D (stop "Quartier Belvedere") and several bus lines make it easy to reach.

Lucy Bar inside the museum has a superb view of the neighboring Schweizergarten, ideal for a break before or after the exhibitions.

Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. Photography without flash is permitted in most areas; please follow the signs on site.

No additional photos available.