Today’s MuseumsQuartier Wien (MQ) has a long history behind it. Designed in 1725 by the famous Viennese baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach as the imperial court stables, it was converted into a trade fair palace in 1922 and gradually transformed into what we find today from 1998 onwards: a lively urban area built on historical foundations, complemented by new modern museum buildings. At 355 meters (1,165 ft), the striking façade is the longest baroque façade in Vienna. Of the eight inner courtyards, Main Courtyard 1 is the most distinctive. This is where the Leopold Museum and the mumok - Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna were rebuilt at the turn of the millennium. The passageways between the courtyards and the forecourt of the MQ are also filled with cultural offerings.

With 90,000 m² (22 acres) of exhibition space and over 50 cultural institutions located here, the MuseumsQuartier is one of the largest artistic and cultural spaces in the world. In addition to the Leopold Museum, the mumok, the Kunsthalle Wien, and the Architekturzentrum Wien (Az W), the MQ houses dozens of other cultural initiatives. These initiatives span the fields of visual arts, literature, music, architecture, design, dance, theater, performance, fashion, new media, children’s culture and leisure culture. In the MQ, these organizations have numerous rooms and activity spaces at their disposal. The MQ Freiraum exhibition space at the MuseumsQuartier Wien hosts exhibitions of contemporary art with socio-political themes. 

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The city’s open-air living room

The MusuemsQuartier, located right on the edge of the 1st district and served by two subway stations, is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and future-oriented area that is beloved by Vienna’s residents and visitors alike. It is always open and free of charge. The brightly colored, iconic MQ furniture (the “Enzis”), which are set up during the warmer months, are a wonderful place to relax. Food and drinks are served in the numerous bars and restaurants in the MuseumsQuartier. The best view of the area and beyond can be enjoyed from the “MQ Libelle” viewing platform on the roof of the Leopold Museum.

The hustle and bustle in the MQ is complemented by a seasonal program of events. In the run up to Christmas, for example, “Winter at MQ” entices visitors with curling rinks and stands serving punsch— a delicious warm, sweet, and spiced alcoholic drink. During the warmer months, there is the “MQ Amore” mini golf course at the front of the MQ and the “MQ Summer Stage” in the main courtyard (with free admission!). Be sure to check out the seasonal events program in advance!

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Guided tours of the MQ

• Overview & Architecture Tour – Secrets of the MuseumsQuartier: The overview tour reveals fascinating insights into one of the world’s largest cultural districts and its wide range of cultural activities. (Every Saturday, in German at 2 pm, English at 3 pm; German, English, French, Italian & Hungarian can be booked individually for groups)
• Fischer von Erlach’s Imperial Stables – From Stables to the MuseumsQuartier: Baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach originally designed this complex of buildings for 600 horses. Discover how the area has evolved into a cultural zone. (Every first Saturday of the month, in German at 4 pm; German, English, French, Italian & Hungarian can be booked individually for groups)
• Imperial KaiserQuartier – The Vision of the Habsburgs: During this tour, visitors learn more about the original planning of the MuseumsQuartier as part of what is known as the “Kaiserforum”. (German, English, French and Italian tours can be booked individually for groups)
• Meet the Artist – Guided tour and conversation with MQ artists-in-residence: Around 60 international artists live and work within the MQ and open the doors to their studios for exclusive access. (Tours in German and English can be booked individually for groups)

Information and prices

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MQ goes Green

The MuseumsQuartier has set itself the goal of making the historic paved area fit for the future under the motto “MQ goes Green”. Three key measures are being implemented with the aim of making the site carbon-neutral by 2030: greening the area, resource-efficient operations, and artistic projects with a focus on the environment and sustainability. Trees and plants started to be planted across the whole MQ area in 2023.