Austrian Museum of Applied Arts (the MAK)
Stubenring 5, Vienna, Vienna, 1010
With an extensive collection spanning from 17th-century glassware to modern industrial design, themed special exhibits, and a rich program of events, Vienna’s Museum of Applied Arts (commonly called MAK) is a great place to spend a few hours. Marvel at Baroque, Biedermeier, and Art Nouveau art and design in its Neo-Renaissance halls.
The basics
The impressive Renaissance Revival building that houses MAK has been redesigned by contemporary artists to best showcase the permanent collection, in line with artistic heritage of the building. MAK is more than just a place to view art, though. One of the main elements of the museum is the Design Lab, a hub for collecting, research, preservation, education, and interactive learning.
Set on the central Ringstrasse, you can visit the museum as part of a guided walking or bike tour, or on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or self-guided audio tour. Book your tickets in advance to avoid a long line at the entrance, or enter with your Vienna Flexi Pass.
Things to know before you go
MAK entry tickets are valid for both the museum’s permanent exhibitions, and temporary art and design shows.
The wide range of exhibitions, engaging displays, and information panels translated into English make MAK interesting for visitors of all ages.
MAK’s gift shop is stuffed with art books, design gadgets, and unique souvenirs; the café is a gourmet restaurant open to both museum visitors and the general public.
The museum is barrier-free, and fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
MAK sits on Ringstrasse, the main boulevard that circles Vienna’s old town, and is easy to reach on foot from most of the top city sights. It’s also near the Stubentor transport hub, where metro line U3, tram line 2, and bus 74A all stop.
When to get there
Temporary exhibitions are held regularly throughout the year, so check MAK’s website to see what’s on when planning your visit. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays, but keeps later hours on Tuesday evenings so you can stretch your sightseeing time until 9pm.
Vienna’s Ringstrasse museums
Vienna’s Ringstrasse is considered one of the most beautiful boulevards in Europe and is lined by a number of the city’s top museums. Stroll its curved length to visit headliners such as Neue Burg, the former Imperial palace that houses the National Library and the Weltmuseum Wien ethnographical museum. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world’s finest art collections, also sits on Ringstrasse, along with the Museum of Natural History and MAK.
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