Palais Liechtenstein Museum - Part II

Palais Liechtenstein today - in 2008, to be precise

Prior to its opening in 2004, the entire building was carefully renovated both on the inside and the outside. Since it is still private property, it gives intimate insights to the life and culture of Imperial nobility during Baroque days - this is also reflected in the collection itself, which has a focus on Baroque art.

Beyond that, the entrance hall will admit you to a very impressive library; there is a carriage in mind-blowing Baroque pomposity just by the entrance. This carriage belonged to Prince Johann Adam Andreas and was used for a diplomatic journey to Paris. The artwork of the permanent exhibition spans four centuries, from Renaissance to Biedermeier. Highlights are works by Peter Paul Rubens and Renaissance furniture.

The exhibition has excellent information sheets in several languages, something that could serve other museums in Austria as an ideal to copy. The collection reflects the personal interests and tastes of the princes that built it up - it is still being developed and extended, so some pieces were actually acquired after the opening in 2004. Usually, there are changing exhibitions that require a separate ticket. They normally follow Baroque themes that go well with the spirit of the site. In the palace′s basement, you can watch a short video on the Royal Family of Liechtenstein (who still lives partly in Vienna) or use the rather disappointing toilets, the only rooms that don′t fit with the Baroque ambient.

Things to See Nearby in Vienna

The park between the two parts of the palace is open to the public and free of charge, but not overly interesting. The second building on the northern edge of the property is not open to visitors, it is used corporations. The other Viennese palace of the Liechtenstein family is just behind the Burgtheater by the Ringstraße and used by the Royal family of Liechtenstein, some embassies (including the one of Liechtenstein) and companies.

There are smaller art exhibitions in this palace, too. Other attractions near the Palais Liechtenstein Museum in the 9th district include the Strudelhofstiege, the Freud Museum in Berggasse, the Josephinum, the Votivkirche and - a bit further up north - the caloric power plant Spittelau designed by Friendensreich Hundertwasser.

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Palais Liechtenstein Museum - Part II

Things to See Nearby in Vienna

Vienna by District

Further Reading