Private Tour of the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts with an Art Historian

Vienna , Austria

Private Tour of the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts with an Art Historian

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About this experience

We'll begin our tour with the collection's most prized possession -- The Last Judgment by Hieronymus Bosch. The modern viewer is amazed by the inferno in his famous triptych, rather than frightened. It mixes chimeras in the form of half snakes and half eggs, fear of wars and epidemics. And a great deal of the artist's personal frustrations. I invite you to look closely at the details of the painting.

Cranach's The Holy Family, as well as the obe by Jos van Klewe, will reveal the origins of the family portrait genre to us, while the religious paintings of the Quattrocento and Cinquecento art will disclose the rules of making art for religious meditation. And Rubens' The Abduction of Orifia will serve us as an example of what art for sensual pleasure should look like.

The most valuable skill for an artist has long been the ability to reveal a complex subject by means of painting. This is why the gallery offers many outstanding examples of "stories" - paintings on biblical or antique subjects, such as Heinrich Füger's Death of Germanicus and Angelo Caroselli's The Suicide of Cato. Together we will try to understand the ideas behind these canvases and to feel how convincing they are for us today.

Available options

Standard

What's included

Professional Art Historian Guide

Entry/Admission

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The collection of the Academy of Fine Arts is a miniature museum of the history of arts; its current exhibition is seemingly designed to show what young artists had to pay attention to in order to become new titians and van dycks. This is why the gallery contains numerous examples of ‘stories’, paintings illustrating antique historical plots, sword-and-sandal installations of a kind of the pre-cinema era, such as Baby Moses Trampling on the Pharaoh’s Crown or Suicide of Cato. The Academy is also the only place in Vienna where you can find Italian art of the early Renaissance. And the grand altar of Hieronymus Bosch, of course. The Last Judgment is the best painting by this mysterious Dutch artist in Austria and, quite possibly, in the world.

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Please come punctually to the meeting point in front of the Museums main entrance. You guide will be waiting for you at the entrance door. There is just one entrance, you can't miss it. The detailed information with photos of the meeting point and your museum guide will be sent to you with an extra file. Use the contact details on your confirmation/voucher if you have any question or have any difficulties to find the meeting point or your guide. Your guide will have your museum entrance tickets with her.

This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Meeting point

At the entrance to the Academy

Important notes

Thank you for choosing our tour of the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts!

Your guide's name is Julia. You can contact her by phone or via WhatsApp at +4368110630689.

The address of the museum is Schillerplatz 3, 1010 Vienna.

Please come punctually to the meeting point in front of the museum's main entrance. Your guide will be waiting for you in front of it.

Please find a photo of the gallery and your guide attached to this message.

Have an inspiring experience!

About Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.

Top Attractions

Schönbrunn Palace

A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour

St. Stephen's Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury

Belvedere Palace

A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.

Historical/Art/Museum 2-3 hours €16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere

Vienna State Opera

One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.

Cultural/Entertainment 2-4 hours (performance length) €10-200 depending on performance and seat

Hofburg Palace

The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours €14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection

Must-Try Local Dishes

Wiener Schnitzel

A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Tafelspitz

Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.

Dinner Gluten-free, dairy-free

Sachertorte

A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Apfelstrudel

A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Vienna Woods Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Coffee house hopping Spa day at a luxury hotel Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending opera or concert performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center

By train

Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof

By bus

Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Innere Stadt Leopoldstadt Wieden Hietzing

Day trips

Bratislava

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Salzburg

300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight

The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.

Hallstatt

200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.

Festivals

Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive