MAK Vienna
Feb 3, 2025

MAK Vienna

Contemporary and applied arts

""MAK" in Vienna houses contemporary and applied arts. I truly believe it's a sanctuary for the city's artists. Protip: visit on Tuesday..."

Whether it's to visit an exhibition or for a class, the MAK has plenty to offer. A museum-cum-arts college, this famous building has been a feature of inner-ring architecture since the 19th century. The museum was first conceived in 1863, with plans based on the South Kensington Museum (which is now the V&A) in London. This is something I find remarkable about Viennese architecture: only a handful of buildings, such as the WUK on Währinger Straße, are red-brick in the Northern European style; the majority of Viennese buildings tend to be stuccoed in that familiar off-white and extravagantly ornamented, especially along the Ringstraße.

It is not the only reason I like the exterior of the MAK. First opened to the public in 1871, it was expanded in the early twentieth century, then partially rebuilt in the '40s after damage sustained in the war. During the '80s and '90s the whole interior underwent restoration and was designed in order to reconfigure the exhibition space.

Surprisingly for a Viennese art museum, if you visit the MAK on a Tuesday, admission fees are waived. And, as I briefly mentioned in the introduction, this is no mere museum: MAK is a sanctuary for applied artists. There are many opportunities to study or even take evening courses here - Aktzeichnen (life-drawing) for example. This class is very popular! Also, offers for furniture, Wohngemeinschaften (flatshares) and the like are pinned up regularly in the student space. The vibe is, thankfully, in no way stuffy or elitist.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Stubernring 5

Adult admission:

7.90

1711360

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Vienna guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Vienna

dsc09828lra-scaled

Zuckero – Vegan or gluten-free cake and ice cream

"Zuckero" is a real gem in Vienna for everyone sticking to a vegan, sugar and gluten-free diet! Their cakes and ice cream are just stunning...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Feb 9, 2025
lorient-vienna-by-julia-heiligenbrunner-scaled

L'Orient – Moroccan feel and taste

L'Orient in Vienna satisfies both my heart and my stomach. This Moroccan restaurant pays attention to detail, and the hummus is some of the best ever...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Feb 7, 2025
Into-The-Green

Into The Green – Relax in the city

Türkenschanzpark is what many call the most beautiful park in the city. It has it all: small pathways, ponds, rolling hills, and rare botanical plants.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Feb 7, 2025
Wotruba-Church

Wotruba Church – Brutal architecture at its best

Wotruba Church is a wonderful, brutalist architectural miracle made of 152 concrete blocks, located just outside Vienna. Definitely worth the travel...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Feb 7, 2025
3-scaled

Climbing on Flakturm – Above Vienna's rooftops

Flakturm in Vienna has a very interesting history. You can explore it from the outside climbing and enjoy the view, or go inside and visit Haus des Meeres

008-ticket
Cinema
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Feb 7, 2025
1-2-scaled

WINS – Inclusive grocery shopping

Shopping at WINS in Vienna is inclusive, sustainable and organic. It's the Association for the Inclusion of People with Cognitive Disabilities...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Julia

Heiligenbrunner

Feb 4, 2025
Leopoldsgasse 39 Vienna

Leopoldsgasse 39 – The ugliest building in town

The building at Leopoldsgasse 39 in Vienna just might be the ugliest building in town. It's just painted in all colors. But such building are must-sees...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Tina

Haselbacher

Feb 3, 2025
karma-ramen-vienna-by-tina-haselbacher-

Karma Ramen – For ramen lovers!

"Karma Ramen" in Vienna is a new Japanese ramen restaurant. It was a first for me: I actually came here to eat here three times in a single week...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Tina

Haselbacher

Feb 3, 2025
Urban-Loritz-Platz Vienna

Urban-Loritz-Platz – Vienna's Casa Malaparte

"Urban-Loritz-Platz" houses one of Vienna's most authentic works of architecture. I like the 102 exterior stairs reminiscent of Casa Malaparte & the views!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Tina

Haselbacher

Feb 3, 2025
Blumenkraft Vienna

Blumenkraft – Flower power

"Blumenkraft" in Vienna is by far one of the fanciest and most aesthetic flower shops you'll find around town. Since I'm a big flower person, it's the best

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Tina

Haselbacher

Feb 3, 2025
Das TAG Vienna

Das TAG – Modern Austrian theatre

"Das TAG" in Vienna is an intimate theater known for improv and modern interpretations of the classics. I like it because it's very simple, yet raw...

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

By

Tina

Haselbacher

Feb 3, 2025
Cafe Nest Vienna

Cafe Nest – Like a birds' nest

"Cafe Nest" in Vienna actually reminds me of a bird's nest: it's small, self-made and super-cozy. Music quizzes, pizza, exhibitions... Super cheap, too.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Tina

Haselbacher

Feb 3, 2025

Just €9.99!

Heading to Vienna?

159 Insider Tips from Locals

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!

Just €9.99

Going to Vienna?

159 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!

Our team loves Vienna

Get to know our other Spotters from Vienna

As featured on: