Gemäldegalerie der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien

The Gemäldegalerie der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien is a small art museum in the centre of Vienna. It sits inside the building designed by Theophil von Hansen for the Academy of Fine Arts on Schillerplatz. The gallery’s collection began in the 18th century with prize-winning works by academy members. The gallery is worth visiting for its remarkable holdings. Anton Franz von Lamberg-Sprinzenstein bequeathed his celebrated collection in 1822. The highlights include Hieronymus Bosch’s World Judgement triptych and works by Lucas Cranach, Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Murillo and Guardi. The collection spans early Italian panels of the 14th and 15th centuries to paintings linked with the academy in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitors find a sequence of modest rooms filled with carefully lit masterpieces. The building’s classical architecture frames each painting, drawing attention to details and craftsmanship. The gallery’s modest size allows works to be viewed without crowds. Display cases and labels explain each piece’s place in the academy’s history. The atmosphere is quiet, encouraging close looking at masterpieces from five centuries.