In December 2012, one of the world’s most important chambers of art and wonders will reopen in a sumptuous new setting. The Kunstkammer is being restored to new splendour at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, one of the largest and most important museums in the world. Its holdings comprise artworks from five millennia – from Ancient Egypt through to the 18th century.
The Kunstkammer evolved from the Habsburgs’ treasures assembled during the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Baroque. These Habsburg patrons were members of one of Europe’s most powerful and influential ruling families. The Kunstkammer was regarded as a reflection of the cosmos and its task was to transmit knowledge and amaze all who saw this realm of fantasy and curiosities.
The wealth and diversity of the artifacts on exhibit is unique: no other collection combines so many different materials in such extraordinary quality. The Kunstkammer is the precursor of today’s museum and invites you to a journey through time like no other collection, proving to become an essential part of any visit to Vienna. For more info, Austrian National tourist office.
