Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien

About the museum

The roots of mumok go back to 1962: the Museum of the 20th Century, or 20er Haus, opened in the renovated Austria Pavilion, which Karl Schwanzer designed for the 1958 Brussels World Expo. In 1979, the first loans from Aachen collectors Peter and Irene Ludwig arrived, particularly Pop Art and photorealism. To make room, the Museum of Modern Art opened that same year in the Baroque Palais Liechtenstein; with the Wolfgang Hahn Collection came Nouveau Réalisme and Fluxus as additional focal points.

In 1981, on the initiative of Hertha Firnberg and the collector couple, the Austrian Ludwig Foundation was established, into which much of the loans passed; further donations, including an extensive collection of Eastern European art, followed. After extension of the foundation agreement in 1991, the house received its current name.

In 2001 the museum moved to the dark cube of basalt lava designed by Ortner & Ortner in MuseumsQuartier and has since operated as mumok. The collection ranges from Classical Modernism through Pop Art, Fluxus, Conceptual Art and Viennese Actionism to contemporary art with film and media connections; it is shown in changing collection presentations and exhibitions. The house also includes a cinema, library and since October 2026 its own studio for creative work.

Highlights

• Works of Pop Art from the Ludwig Collection
• Focal points of Fluxus and Nouveau Réalisme
• Significant collection of Viennese Actionism
• Striking museum building of basalt lava by Ortner & Ortner
• mumok cinema with film program and discussions
• mumok Studio with open creative stations

Founded

1962

Operated by

mumok – Museum moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien (wissenschaftliche Anstalt öffentlichen Rechts)

Director

Fatima Hellberg

Admission & discounts

Further discounts with Club Ö1, Vienna City Card, STANDARD subscription and Climate Ticket (cash only). Free admission including Culture Pass ('Hunger for Art & Culture'), Vienna Pass, ICOM card, Lower Austria CARD and Federal Museums Card. Online tickets valid only on selected day. Individual free admission days according to program calendar.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Stepless access via lift in passage left of main entrance; wheelchair-accessible door with push button and bell at 1 m height. Three wheelchair-accessible elevators to all exhibition levels and cinema; studio and lounge via stair lift with staff. Wheelchair-accessible toilets at café, cloakroom, and on levels –3 and 5. Wheelchairs and mobile seats free at cloakroom. Four disabled parking spaces in MuseumsQuartier (entrance corner Volkstheater). Contact: barrierefreiheit@mumok.at.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

From 10 October 2026 own mumok Studio on 140 m²: Tue–Fri open creative stations without registration (free with admission ticket), weekend family workshops (Saturday and Sunday studio). For loan: KinderkunstTransporter for children from 4 years and cuddle animal companion from 2 years; also programming courses, holiday programs and children's club. Changing facilities in several locations in the house.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle parking spaces throughout MQ area.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check

mumok Café o.T. (Tue–Sun 10–17:30) with specialty coffee, homemade pastries and beverages; mumok Shop; library by appointment.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 540 guests.

mumok Lounge, mumok Hofstallung and mumok cinema for events of 20 to 540 people, such as press conferences, presentations and celebrations; certified green location, also exclusive tours and workshops bookable. Contact: events@mumok.at.

Plan your visit