The Foto Arsenal Wien defines itself as a center for photography and lens-based media in Austria. The aim of the institution is to present and communicate photography in all its forms and applications. Vienna has had a lively photography scene for many years with several institutions, and after lengthy deliberations, the city of Vienna decided to establish a dedicated center. It is not a museum with its own collection, but a central exhibition venue that will showcase national and international works and collections. Around ten temporary exhibitions will be held each year in an exhibition space of around 1,000 m². They will focus on historical, national and international themes, while exploring the boundaries between the analog and digital worlds and between static and moving images.

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New location near the Central Station

A brick building dating from 1959 in the Vienna Arsenal in the 3rd district was chosen as its new home. The Arsenal is a complex of former military buildings very close to Vienna Central Station. The listed “Objekt 19” building was completely renovated and extended over a period of 18 months. 

The “Filmmuseum LAB”, a facility for archiving and restoration run by the Austrian Film Museum, also moved into the new center. The building also contains a café with a sidewalk café. The new center is accessible via a short walk through the Arsenal complex. It is located in a cultural setting, being surrounded by the workshops and rehearsal stages of the Burgtheater and Vienna State Opera, the Belvedere 21 and the Museum of Military History. In summer, workshops organized by the Impulstanz dance festival are held next door. The public space will also be used in collaboration with the organization KÖR Kunst im öffentlichen Raum Wien (lit. “Art in Public Spaces Vienna”). 

The “Foto Wien” festival, which takes place every two years, is also affiliated with the new center. The next event will take place from October 3 to November 2, 2025.

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Wide-ranging exhibition and educational program

The photo exhibitions will be located on the ground floor of the building, with two being shown to coincide with the opening. “Magnum. A World of Photography” focuses on the famed photo agency Magnum Photos. More than 300 exhibits will shed light on the seven decades of the agency’s history in chronological order and explain the processes behind world-famous photos. “Clean Thoughts, Clean Images” showcases the work of the young Austrian Simon Lehner. This exhibition uses image files to explore the themes of power structures and toxic masculinity in paintings, installations and videos.

In addition to the exhibitions, the Foto Arsenal Wien offers a varied program of events and activities. The focus is on teaching art and visual media skills. Special programs are geared towards children and teenagers. Seminar rooms for a variety of workshops and an analog darkroom have been set up on the upper floor.