What's new in Vienna 2013

Reopening of the Kunstkammer

Arguably the world’s most precious collection of decorative objects and curiosities, the Kunstkammer in Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), is due to reopen to the public on 1 March. Since its closing in 2002, the exhibition tract has undergone comprehensive rehabilitation and expansion. Highlights of the spectacular collection of over 2,200 items are outstanding works of the goldsmith’s art, such as the Saliera (Salt Cellar, by Benvenuto Cellini), first-rate specimens of sculptures, such as the Krumau Madonna, and the Kunstkammer of Emperor Rudolf II.

Albertina: 10^th anniversary

10 years ago, the Albertina reopened after a program of refurbishment, restoration and new building work that went on for more than a decade. Since then, the Albertina became one of Austria’s most significant museums, holding world-famous works from Bruegel, Rembrandt and Rubens. The museum will celebrate its birthday with two major exhibitions in 2013: from March until June visitors will be treated to a selection of precious drawing by Dutch masters, and from  September to January 2014 masterpieces of Matisse and the Fauves will be on display.

New Concert Hall for the Vienna Boys’ Choir

In December 2012, the Vienna Boys’ Choir got a new venue for its concerts and children’s operas. The new complex in Vienna’s Baroque Augarten park includes a state-of-the-art concert hall for the world-famous choir, as well as a music and theatre centre for children and teenagers.

New hotel openings

In August 2012, the first Austrian branch of US hotel chain Ritz-Carlton opened in Vienna’s historic city centre, followed by Lamee, a four-star-plus design hotel in November. In December, the luxury Sans Souci Wien opened next door to the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna’s trendy seventh district.  Nearby, the new extension of the 25hours Hotel Wien will open in March 2013, offering a total of 372 rooms at the three-star accommodation. The new five-star Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna will be located in an opulent former mansion house on the Ringstrasse boulevard, and is set to open in spring.

New luxury shopping district

In November 2012, Vienna’s shopping scene gained another attraction: The Golden Quarter. This exclusive development occupies a complex of historic, heritage-listed buildings on Tuchlauben, Bognergasse and Am Hof and features luxury flagship stores of Louis Vuitton, Prada, Emporio Armani, Miu Miu and Etro.