The Albertina is the largest of the Habsburg residential palaces, set atop a former city-wall bastion at the southern tip of Vienna's Hofburg. Founded in 1776 by Duke Albert of Saxony-Teschen, it holds the world's largest graphic-art collection — over one million prints and around 60,000 drawings — and is best known for Dürer's 'Young Hare' and 'Praying Hands'. As of 2026 the main building pairs its permanent Batliner Collection (Monet to Picasso) with 22 restored Habsburg State Rooms, and hosts frequent large-scale special exhibitions of major artists. It's an ideal stop for travelers who want imperial palace interiors, Impressionist and modern painting, and Old Master drawings all in one place.
Dürer's iconic 'Young Hare (Feldhase)' and 'Praying Hands' — the signatures of the world's largest graphic collection (the light-sensitive originals are often shown only in rotation or as facsimiles for conservation, so they may not be on view)
The permanent Batliner Collection — Monet's 'Water Lily Pond', Degas' dancers, Renoir, Chagall and Picasso trace Impressionism through modern painting
The 22 restored Habsburg State Rooms — the opulent palace interiors are a highlight in themselves
The bastion-top terrace with views over the State Opera and city center, and the titanium 'Soravia Wing' canopy over the entrance, designed by Hans Hollein
Rotating blockbuster and retrospective special exhibitions of world-renowned artists (content changes with the season of your visit)
Good to know
SafetyPickpocketing is common around Stephansplatz, Kärntnerstraße, the Opera and on the U-Bahn — busy tourist zones near the museum. Wear bags to the front and keep zippers closed.
CautionTouts in Mozart costume selling 'classical concert' tickets frequently work the square outside. Ignore pushy pitches and inflated prices, and buy museum admission only from the official website or box office.
RulesLarge backpacks, wheeled luggage and umbrellas usually must be checked in the cloakroom; many special-exhibition rooms prohibit photography, and flash is generally banned. Check the signs before shooting.
SeasonThe museum stays open until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, so a late-afternoon or evening visit avoids the daytime crush. Expect longer waits in peak season (summer, year-end) and during popular exhibitions, and dress warmly in winter.
MannersKeep noise down indoors, don't touch the artworks or stand too close, and avoid tripods and selfie sticks. Respect all 'no photography' signs in the galleries.
RulesPrices, opening hours and exhibition schedules can change, so confirm the latest details on the official website before you go. If you also plan to see Albertina Modern, the combined ticket is better value.
Practical info
Located at Albertinaplatz 1 in Vienna's 1st district, it's a 3–5 minute walk from U-Bahn Karlsplatz/Oper (U1/U2/U4) or Stephansplatz (U3), and close to tram stops 1/2/D/71 (Kärntner Ring/Oper) and city bus 2A (Albertina); the entrance sits atop the bastion, reached by escalator or lift. It opens daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, with free admission for visitors under 19. Prices (roughly €20 for the main building), hours and closures can change, so verify the latest details on the official website before visiting.
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