Arnulf Rainer Museum

About the museum

The Arnulf Rainer Museum is dedicated to the painter Arnulf Rainer (1929–2025), one of the most important Austrian artists after 1945, who became internationally known above all for his overpaintings. The museum opened in autumn 2009 and is run today by Kunstmeile Krems Betriebs GmbH as part of Niederösterreichische Kulturwirtschaft.

The museum is located in the former Frauenbad (women's bath) on Josefsplatz. The neoclassical building was erected in 1821 to plans by Charles de Moreau together with Baden's municipal master builder Anton Hantl; the name recalls a medieval Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) that once stood on this site. From 1877 the bathhouse was given a stately conversion with marble-clad pools and a large hall in the centre.

After bathing operations ended in the 1970s, the building served for a time as an exhibition centre. For the museum it was carefully adapted by a Viennese team of architects, so that the bathing pools and changing cubicles were preserved – the only bathhouse in the spa town of Baden, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In annually changing exhibitions Rainer's works are presented and set in relation to works by other artists, such as Georg Baselitz, Mario Merz, Damien Hirst or Art Brut artists. An audio guide additionally tells the history of the Frauenbad.

Highlights

• Works by Arnulf Rainer in changing exhibitions
• Preserved bathing pools and changing cubicles of the historic spa bath
• Neoclassical ceremonial hall at the centre of the building
• Free audio guide on the history of the Frauenbad

Founded

2009

Operated by

Kunstmeile Krems Betriebs GmbH

Director

Julia Flunger-Schulz (operative Geschäftsführung)

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Niederösterreich-CARD (once per season, individual visits only), for ICOM and IAA members, members of the Gesellschaft der Freunde der bildenden Künste and with the cultural pass "Hunger auf Kunst & Kultur". Friends of the Bühne Baden receive 50%, Raiffeisenbank customers 10% off the regular admission. Discounts only on presentation of ID.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the museum, access is largely barrier-free. Drop-off directly in front of the building is possible, but there is no parking in front of the house. Assistance dogs allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

On tours, children can explore the building on their own with a puzzle booklet, searching for bath attendants and sulphur spirits. Holiday workshops in the art studio from age 6; children's birthday parties for 5- to 12-year-olds in the studio or as a discovery tour in the museum.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A2, exit Baden, towards the centre to Josefsplatz.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Free cloakroom with lockers in the entrance area; museum shop with art books and souvenirs; free Wi-Fi "Free Wave" throughout the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Neoclassical ceremonial hall for receptions, presentations, readings, concerts, Christmas and company parties, birthdays and weddings, with an exclusive exhibition tour on request; offer on request.

Plan your visit