Gemäldegalerie of the Akademie der bildenden Künste Vienna

The Gemäldegalerie (Paintings Gallery) of the Academy of Fine Arts is one of Vienna’s best kept secrets. As I walked along the Schillerplatz I noticed a banner and some posters for an exhibition with works by Bosch, Van Dyck, Botticelli, Cranach, Rubens and Rembrandt. I had some time to spare so I entered the building. I was a bit skeptical at first and as I climbed the stairs to the second floor I became ever more doubtful. It wasn’t until I had paid the entrance fee and entered the gallery that my doubts vanished.

The collection consists of a bequest by Anton Paula Graf Lamberg-Sprinzenstein from 1822 who stipulated that the paintings should be on public view. The gallery is still housed in the same building where the art students have their studios. 

The current collection presentation concentrates on the late Renaissance and the Baroque period with works by Botticelli, Joos van Cleve, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Anthonie van Dyck, Pieter de Hooch, Jacob Jordaens, Nicolaes Maes, Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens and Jacob van Ruisdael.

The absolute highlight of the collection is “The Last Judgment” (c. 1482) by Hieronymus Bosch. It is a stunning painting and what a joy to be able to closely watch it for more than five minutes unperturbed by other visitors. To be sure, to see all the details it's best to take a snapshot and then zoom in on your screen.

Even though the Akademie der bildenden Künste is right in the centre of Vienna, not far from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Albertina and the MuseumsQuartier, there were hardly any other visitors when I was there.

Rembrandt’s “Portait of a Young Woman” (1632) is by no means a “minor” Rembrandt, just look at the expressivity of her hands. It would be on permanent view if it were part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum or London’s National Gallery. It hangs next to a group portrait by Pieter de Hooch, “Family Group in a Courtyard in Delft” (c. 1658), which showcases his mastery of perspective and spatial composition. The open door in the wall reveals two neighboring courtyards. The man seen from behind in the distance provides a sense of scale.

So, if you're planning a trip to Vienna be sure to add the Gemäldegalerie of the Akademie der bildenden Künste to your list.

Considering the Collection is at the Paintings Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna until 25 May 2025. The next collection presentation may consist of a different selection of works.

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No secret to the residents of Vienna but well worth knowing if you’re visiting, Öfferl is one of the best bakeries in Vienna.