The Kunsthistorisches Museum, located in Vienna, Austria, is one of the most renowned art museums in the world. Housed in its festive palatial building on the Vienna Ring Road, it is crowned with an octagonal dome.
History and Architecture
The Kunsthistorisches Museum, often referred to as the Museum of Art History, was opened in 1891. It was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I to house the extensive art collections of the Habsburg family, and it was opened at the same time as the Natural History Museum, Vienna which has a similar design and is directly across Maria-Theresien-Platz. The two buildings were constructed between 1871 and 1891 according to plans by Gottfried Semper and Baron Karl von Hasenauer, and later completed by Carl Hasenauer.
The emperor commissioned the two Ringstraße museums to create a suitable home for the Habsburgs' formidable art collection and to make it accessible to the general public. The buildings are rectangular, with symmetrical Renaissance Revival façades of sandstone lined with large arched windows on the main levels and topped with an octagonal dome 60 metres (200 ft) high. The interiors of the museums are lavishly decorated with marble, stucco ornamentation, gold-leaf, and murals.
Collections
The museum boasts an impressive collection of European art spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The Picture Gallery is home to works by great masters from Dürer to Raphael, Titan and Tintoretto, Rubens and Velázquez, to Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, as well as the Coin Cabinet, are also part of the museum's holdings.
Of particular interest is the world’s largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which includes such famous paintings as The Tower of Babel, Peasant Wedding, and Hunters in the Snow. It also houses the Best of Bruegel – the world's largest collection in Vienna - 12 masterpieces united.
Exhibits
The museum is divided into various departments, including the Picture Gallery, the Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, the Kunstkammer (Chamber of Art and Wonders), and the Coin Cabinet. Each department showcases a specific aspect of art and culture, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of different artistic periods and regions.
Dinner at the Museum
Dinner at the Kunsthistorisches Museum was an amazing experience for me, offering the opportunity to enjoy a unique and elevated dining experience in its magnificent setting or otherwise known as the Cupola Hall Restaurant; the grandeur, the magnificence, the music, the background, the ambience, the style, truly overwhelms and when that is juxtaposed with a classique fine dining experience, it is simply magical! As I immersed in art and flavor with dinner at Kunsthistorisches Museum, it truly allowed me to indulge in a cultural feast surrounded by masterpieces; creating an absolutely memorable dining experience right in the heart of Vienna District 1.
The restaurant is located in the heart of the museum, providing a stunning and elegant setting for diners. The Cupola Hall itself is a grand space with a dome ceiling, intricate architecture, and opulent decor. The restaurant offers a menu featuring a combination of Austrian and international cuisine, providing a culinary experience that complements the artistry of the museum.
Every Thursday evening, the domed hall of the Kunsthistorisches Museum is transformed into a unique dinner location. Diner can look forward to sophisticated dishes made from high-quality products in exciting combinations. A romantic evening for two or an exquisite dinner with friends or business partners - Dinner in the Museum is the right choice for something extraordinary and special, truly a place that is unique in Vienna. The location in the historic domed hall with a view of the Maria-Theresien-Platz ensures an exclusive ambience and I was truly spoiled with culinary delights by their amazing team. So I was truly blessed to arrive in Vienna on a Thursday so I get to partake of this sensational and unique classical dining encounter in a beautiful museum!!
For starters, we had a bevy of a 3 course savoury taste sensation consisting of Tuna, where the tomato and wasabi was melange with miso and sesame. Then came the Butternut Pumpkin Carpaccio which breathed kumquat and quince, pumpkin seeds and chiogga beet. The Duck Liver Parfait was the last dish that came along with tonka bean brioche, sweet wine and grape, simply exquisite! Lastly, we had the Chestnut soup
with truffle foam, just yummy!
We had the Scallop main course, consisting of wakame, samphire, lobster foam and cauliflower; the creation was just heavenly, tasty and superb! For dessert, we had the Sweet carrot comprising of cake, ice cream, rock candy and mousse; simple as it sounds, the combination was meticulously well done!
Special thks to my host, Vlamidir for hosting me and also taking care of me during this awesome twinning-dining experience at this awesome museum! Unforgettable!
Ambiance
Diners can enjoy their meals surrounded by the museum's impressive art collection and the unique architectural elements of the Cupola Hall. The ambiance is often described as refined and luxurious, offering a one-of-a-kind setting for a memorable dining experience.
Reservations
It's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak hours or busy seasons, to secure a table in this popular and unique dining location. Overall, dining at the Kunsthistorisches Museum can be a delightful experience for art and culture enthusiasts, combining exquisite cuisine with the splendor of the museum's surroundings.
Prices and Information
Every Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m.
€ 65,- per person€ 30,-
children aged 6 to 12Children under the age of 6 eat free of charge
incl. laid table with bread and butter and a 5 course menu.
Easily book a table for up to 6 people ONLINE. For larger reservations, Pls contact by phone on +43 (0)50 876-1001 or by email at khm-sales@gourmet.at!
Please note that a visit to our café-restaurant is only possible with a valid ticket for the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Website and more information