TOP FREE MUSEUMS IN VIENNA TO VISIT ON A BUDGET (+ GALLERIES AND Theaters)

by gregor

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by gregor

Vienna’s cultural wonders without breaking the bank! In this guide, we unveil the top free museums, galleries, and theaters in the city, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. From timeless masterpieces at the Belvedere Palace to the avant-garde expressions at Belvedere 21, Vienna’s artistic tapestry is accessible to all. Dive into the rich heritage of the Austrian capital without spending a dime. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or simply curious, these budget-friendly cultural hubs promise an enriching experience. Discover the essence of Vienna’s arts and culture without straining your wallet – a perfect blend of affordability and cultural immersion awaits!

The Austrian capital is one of the many cities that offers a great deal of culture and art. We understand that you are traveling on a budget, which is why we have listed down the top museums and galleries you can visit for free or at a low cost on your trip to Vienna.

Free Museums, Galleries, And Theaters In Vienna You Can Enter

District Museums

Every Viennese district around the city has its own museum that allows you to enter without spending any money. Visiting a district museum is one of the best free things you can do. Some focus on niche themes, such as chimney sweeps, clowns, or bricks, while others focus on Vienna’s history. They are not related to each other, which is why each one offers a different opening time. To find out their opening time before you head on over.

The free entry museum, Ostlicht Gallery, is a go-to spot for modern-day photography and is located in the old bread factory. It has been turned into a cultural and social space known as the Brotfabrik. The place opened back in 2012, and the loft-like space holds several exhibitions by local and solo artists from around the world.

Money Museum of the Oenb

If you are interested in learning the history of money without spending any, then head over to the money museum. The Central Bank of Austria offers a complete display of everything that is related to money. It’s a must-see in Vienna and completely free to enter.

Museum Startgalerie Artothek (MUSA)

The Museum Startgalerie Arthohek is a modern free art gallery, that is run by the Cultural Affairs Department of the City Administration. The MUSA features a special area that showcases works from the gallery’s collection but focuses solely on young and upcoming artists.

Guided Tours of City Hall

Vienna City Hall offers a complete guided tour of the space and offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal. This allows them to see where their hard-earned tax money is being spent and how business is done. Along with taking in the breathtaking Gothic architecture, the tour will take you through the entire space, so you can take in a great deal.

A free audio guide is also available upon request.

Snow globe Museum

We all know that there are a lot of unique places in Vienna, and the Snow Globe Museum is one of them. This is where the first ever snow globe was made by Erwin Perzy in 1900. Learn how he came up with a bright idea and how it has evolved into what it is today. Make sure you don’t leave without getting your hands on your very own personalized snow globe as a souvenir.

  • Location: Original Vienna Snowglobe factory, Schumanngasse 87, 1170 Wien, Austria
  • Website: Snow Globe Museum

The Circus & Clown Museum

The Circus and Clown is a museum that only opens on Sundays in Vienna and is always free to enter. It focuses on the history of the circus world and how much it’s entwined with the capital. From props that have been used in the past to costumes that are still used today, you’ll learn all about what goes on behind the scenes.

Vienna Museums, Galleries And Theaters That Are Sometimes Free To Enter

Kunsthalle Wien MQ

This art museum is one you can visit for free in Vienna. It’s a place to visit if you are interested in contemporary forms of art. As it offers a great range of exhibitions, that will blow you away. As the space is filled with work by local and international artists who showcase amazing talent.

Museum of Applied Arts (MAK)

MAK opened its doors back in 1864, and since then they have showcased thousands of exhibitions and art pieces. The place offers a great range of brilliance and focuses on applied arts, architecture, design, and contemporary art. This mesmerizing place offers the wide space you need to showcase any piece of art perfectly. Here you will find various exhibitions, from graphic designs to contemporary videos and even sculptures. When you are heading inside, you should keep your mind open to the world of possibilities.

Read detailed Visitors Guide: MAK MUSEUM OF APPLIED ARTS IN VIENNA, VISITORS INFO AND TIPS

Architecture Center Vienna (AzW)

The Architecture Centre Vienna (AzW) space highlights and explores things related to the city’s fascinating forms of architecture. They have a special skill where they showcase how urban developments and architecture shape our daily lives. In addition, they shed light on stunning architecture from all around the world. In addition, their primary focus is on interesting architecture found in Vienna and they talk about various aspects related to them.

Wiener Staatsoper – Vienna State Opera

Wiener Staatsoper is the perfect place to be if you are looking for a fancy night out. This is an affordable choice that offers an experience that is hard to forget. Here you can enjoy quality opera for only a few euros and take with you an experience you will never forget. If you want the tickets, you will have to get in line, and one person is only able to purchase a single ticket. Keep your partner or group close to you. On the other hand, if you are a student, you can easily get a ticket from 8 to 28 euros depending on the seat and the show.

Read the detailed Visitors Guide: OPERA IN VIENNA – THE VIENNA OPERA HOUSES, TIPS, TICKETS 

Volksoper

The Volksoper is regarded as one of the leading opera houses in Vienna and offers a great range of entertainment, which includes opera, operetta, ballet, and musicals. The good news is that standing-room tickets start at 3 euros and go up to 8 euros. This depends on the performance, and sometimes you can purchase the tickets online. This gives you a chance to save a lot of time.

Burgtheater

The Burgtheater is another free thing to do in Vienna’s city center. Its long-standing history will surely fascinate you. The place offers an experience you shouldn’t miss out on, as it comes packed with an experience you will never forget. As the place offers several unique tours and activities, you will be unable to find them.

Volkstheater

The theatre was built to offer the masses a touch of culture and art. This is why they offer different shows and art pieces that will help add to your cultural quest. You can easily grab a ticket when the box office opens, which is usually an hour before the show. Here you will be able to enjoy great architecture while enjoying a great show.

  • Location: Arthur-Schnitzler-Platz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria
  • Website: Volkstheater

Theater in der Josefstadt

This is one of the oldest theaters in the area of Vienna, and luckily, it’s still running shows for you to enjoy. As you walk in, you will take in the beautiful architecture and history the place has to offer. Here you will experience a night that will be hard to forget as they showcase several classic, modern, and international shows for you to enjoy. You can take in all that the place has to offer with a mesmerizing show.

Museums, Galleries, And Theaters That Are Free Entry On The First Sunday Of The Month

RÖMERMUSEUM

One of the exhibitions you can visit in Vienna for free is the Römermuseum. It’s devoted to the times when Vienna was a Roman city. From Roman ruins and relics to the stories about their occupation, some of the artifacts and information you’ll find here will truly blow your mind.

  • Location: Wien Museum Hermesvilla, Lainzer Tiergarten, 1130 Wien, Austria

Hermesvilla

For an interesting, free display of art and architecture, we’d strongly recommend you head over to Hermesvilla. It’s about 40 to 45 minutes away from the city and was given by Emperor Franz Joseph to Empress Elisabeth in the hope she would stay in Vienna for longer periods of time as she was an avid traveler.

Hermesvilla has been nicknamed the “Palace of Dreams.” It’s a permanent exhibition that displays the history behind the emperor and empress and what it was like to live in a lavish house.

  • Location: Lainzer Tiergarten, 1130 Wien, Austria
  • Website: Hermesvilla

Otto Wagner Pavillion Museums

Otto Wagner is a key figure in Viennese history as he was said to be behind the city’s modernization and was also an Art Nouveau architect. These locations are a representation of Wagner’s life. One is in a former train station building of the Stadbahn on Karlsplatz, which he designed, and the other is at the Hofpavillon Hietzing. Both of these are famous museums in Vienna.

  • Location: Wien Museum Otto Wagner Hofpavillion Hietzing, Schönbrunner Schloßstraße, 1130 Wien, Austria + Karlsplatz Metro Station, Karlsplatz, 1040 Wien, Austria
  • Website: Otto Wagner Pavillion Museums

Wien Museum Musa

The Wien Museum Musa is one of the best contemporary art museums in central Vienna. It’s situated in an old office building and is home to a whopping display of 30,000 pieces of Viennese art, including photos, paintings, sculptures, and more, created by about 4500 artists. Some are well-known, while others are young, up-and-coming artists. This art exhibition is well worth a visit.

Johann Strauss Museum

Johann Strauss is famous for creating the world-renowned “The Blue Danube,” which is sometimes referred to as “Austria’s unofficial national anthem.” This museum is in memory of his great work. Inside, you can see the instruments he used, his paintings, and his furniture. The whole presentation is fascinating to see.

Beethoven Museum

Ludwig van Beethoven’s life and work are inextricably linked to Vienna. The famous Beethoven Museum is one of the many great free things to do in Vienna and is an admirable representation of the great work he produced, and it was even once his very own home. It contains 14 rooms filled with information about the house, how he lived in his house, and the legacy he left behind.

Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum)

This surprisingly fascinating place offers military history with a touch of interest. You won’t feel that the tour is dry or boring. The military museum has a great amount of history to offer, and all kinds of items from the past will interest you, along with the addition of new techniques. As you know, Austria has been through a lot of wars and has uncovered some amazing war tools. Each of these is showcased here and showcased properly for you to enjoy. These include pictures of weapons, tanks, and arms.

Best Free Museums in Vienna

When exploring Vienna on a budget, you’ll be delighted to discover an array of exceptional museums that won’t cost you a cent. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural offerings with these best free museums in Vienna:

The Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, or the Museum of Art History, is a treasure trove of classical art. Marvel at works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer without spending a dime. The grandeur of the building itself is an artistic masterpiece.

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The Albertina

Home to a vast collection of graphic art, the Albertina offers free entry to its architectural wonders and impressive exhibitions. From Dürer to Picasso, the museum showcases the evolution of graphic arts throughout history.

View Prices and Reviews

The Leopold Museum

Dive into Austrian modern art at the Leopold Museum. Located in the MuseumsQuartier, this gem features masterpieces by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. Enjoy the dynamic exhibitions that capture the essence of Vienna’s artistic spirit.

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The Belvedere Gardens and Palace

While entry to the Belvedere Palace itself may have a fee, the stunning gardens surrounding it are free to explore. Take a leisurely walk among manicured lawns, fountains, and sculptures, enjoying the beauty of this Baroque masterpiece.

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Vienna Art Experiences – Diverse Museums and Street Art Tours

Embark on an exclusive journey through the Albertina Museum’s masterpieces with a private tour. Explore the diverse collection, ranging from Old Masters to contemporary works, gaining unique insights into the art evolution. The private tour offers an intimate and personalized encounter with art, allowing you to delve deeper into the nuances of each masterpiece. It’s an immersive experience for art enthusiasts seeking a curated exploration.

MAK – Museum of Applied Arts Ticket

Immerse yourself in the world of applied arts with a ticket to the MAK. Explore innovative designs, crafts, and contemporary art, witnessing the intersection of creativity and functionality. The MAK is a treasure trove for design enthusiasts. From modern art installations to functional design exhibits, this museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of applied arts.

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2-Hour Street Art Tour in Vienna

Discover the vibrant and dynamic side of Vienna’s urban art scene on a 2-hour street art tour. Uncover hidden murals, graffiti, and the stories behind each piece, revealing the city’s alternative artistic expressions. The street art tour offers a fresh perspective on Vienna, showcasing the city’s evolving cultural landscape. It’s an excellent way to witness the intersection of tradition and modernity through the lens of street art.

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Ticket to the Heidi Horten Collection

Step into the world of contemporary art with a ticket to the Heidi Horten Collection. Experience a curated selection of modern masterpieces, providing a glimpse into one collector’s passion for diverse and influential artworks. The Heidi Horten Collection offers a unique journey through a collector’s discerning taste. It’s a testament to the individual connections people form with art, creating a narrative that goes beyond the confines of traditional museum spaces.

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Entry Ticket Belvedere 21 & Contemporary Art

Explore the intersection of historical charm and contemporary creativity at Belvedere 21. This entry ticket opens the door to a collection where tradition meets avant-garde, providing a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Belvedere 21 seamlessly blends historical architecture with cutting-edge contemporary art. It’s a juxtaposition that adds a layer of intrigue to the overall museum experience, offering a dynamic dialogue between past and present.

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More Travel Tips and Guides of Vienna

Where to go in Vienna?

The ViennaBlog has thoroughly studied all the attractions but also hidden secrets to uncover in Vienna. (Click the Links below to get to the information)
Here is the Vienna Ultimate Top 50 Bucket List
Here is the Best of Vienna in 4 hours
Here is the Best of Vienna in 4 hours (Summer Edition)
Here are the Best 5 things to do in Vienna the most liveable city in the world
Here are the Vienna Old Streets in the Historic Center
Here is the Spittelberg Village in Vienna

Is There A Museum Pass For Vienna?

There isn’t a specific Vienna museum pass, but there is a Vienna City Pass, which gives you access to over 70 attractions for a set fee. For more information, Vienna Pass 
One Day in Vienna: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
The Top Authentic Viennese Experiences You Must Enjoy
Vienna’s Food Guide: Naschmarkt – Most Popular Viennese Food Market
Vienna Food Guide: Local Viennese Food You Must Eat

Are there free museums in Vienna?

Here are a few examples of museums in Vienna that have offered free admission under certain conditions:
The Hofburg Palace: Imperial Apartments
The Hofburg complex has areas that are open to the public for free, such as the courtyards. However, access to certain sections, like the Imperial Apartments, may have an admission fee.
Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek)
The State Hall of the Austrian National Library sometimes offers free admission on specific days or during certain events.
Museum of Applied Arts (MAK – Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst)
The MAK occasionally has free admission days, especially during special events or exhibitions.
Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches Museum) and Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
These museums are located opposite each other and may offer free entry on certain occasions or during special events.

Where can I see Klimts in Vienna?

Here are some key places where you can experience Klimt’s art in the city:
Belvedere Palace (Belvedere Schloss) – Upper Belvedere:
The Belvedere houses an extensive collection of Austrian art, and it is one of the most significant locations to see works by Gustav Klimt. “The Kiss” and “Judith and the Head of Holofernes” are among his famous paintings displayed here.
Leopold Museum:
Located in the MuseumsQuartier, the Leopold Museum features an impressive collection of Austrian modern art, including a substantial number of works by Gustav Klimt.
The Secession Building (Wiener Secessionsgebäude):
The Secession Building is an iconic structure in Vienna, and inside, you can find the famous Beethoven Frieze by Gustav Klimt. The building itself is a significant part of Vienna’s artistic history.
Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History):
The Kunsthistorisches Museum houses “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I,” one of Klimt’s most famous paintings. It is part of the museum’s extensive art collection.
Vienna Museum (Wien Museum):
The Wien Museum has a collection of Klimt’s sketches, drawings, and other works. It provides insight into the artist’s creative process and lesser-known aspects of his artistic output.

Where is the best free view in Vienna?

Kahlenberg:
Located to the northwest of the city, Kahlenberg is a hill in the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald). It provides a breathtaking view of Vienna and the surrounding countryside. You can reach the top by car, bus, or even by hiking if you enjoy outdoor activities.
The Kahlenberg area also has restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the view while sipping coffee or having a meal.
Danube Tower (Donauturm):
The Danube Tower is one of Vienna’s iconic landmarks and stands near the Danube River. Take an elevator to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city. On a clear day, you can see for miles around.
The tower also has a rotating restaurant, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with a view.

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