The Albertina modern, which opened in 2020, is dedicated to modern, postmodern and contemporary art. It is located in the Künstlerhaus on Karlsplatz, just a few minutes’ walk from the main Albertina building.

The museum showcases works by major national and international names from the art world of the past few decades. The museum’s portfolio includes influential Austrian artists such as Hermann Nitsch, Maria Lassnig and Valie Export, as well as Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Christian Ludwig Attersee and Gottfried Helnwein. The Albertina modern also shines a spotlight on international greats of the 20th century: the collection includes works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Damien Hirst and many more.

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The Essl Collection takes center stage

The Essl Collection is one of the most significant collections of Austrian art dating from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. It has been on permanent loan to the Albertina since 2017. Fantastic Realism, Viennese Actionism, but also postmodernist and contemporary art – the collection brings together all the trends that have shaped Austria’s art history in recent times.  The Albertina modern therefore has a distinct identity-affirming function. The extensive range of works in the collection are presented in temporary exhibitions. The museum also hosts a number of other special exhibitions that explore contemporary themes in art.

The Künstlerhaus in its restored splendor

In order to be able to showcase the paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photographs and videos in an appropriate setting, the opening of the Albertina modern was preceded by several years of renovation work on the Künstlerhaus. Built in the 1860s as part of the construction of the Ringstrasse, the art institution has been one of Vienna’s most important art venues since it opened in 1868 and has always been able to change with the times. Today, the Künstlerhaus has been restored to its original splendor.