While a handful of world-famous paintings draw art lovers to the Academy of Fine Arts, taking the time to fully explore the galleries is especially rewarding. The museum may be included on some art- and history-themed tours of Vienna, and Vienna City Card holders are given discounted admission. Though paintings are the main attractions, it’s not all canvases here; check out the museum’s fine collection of plaster casts, which date back to the late 17th century.
The Academy of Fine Arts is located on Schillerplatz, a square in central Vienna. To reach the academy by underground, ride the U1, U2, or U4 to Karlsplatz. The closest tram stop, Oper/Karlsplatz, can be reached on the 1, 2, 62, 71, and D lines. By bus, take the 2A to Albertinaplatz; the 59A to Oper/Karlsplatz; or 57A to Burgring.
Aside from closures on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, the Academy of Fine Arts is open year-round. Without the big crowds that can descend on other museums in Vienna, it’s rarely packed, making it a good stop at any time of day.
If you see just one work of art in the painting gallery, make it The Last Judgement by Hieronymus Bosch, a trio of shutters painted with riveting scenes of sinners and devils. Don’t stop there, though. Other highlights include Lucretia by Lucas Cranach the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens’ The Judgement of Paris.
