How busy is the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
Opened in 1891 by Emperor Franz Joseph, the KHM welcomes around 1.5-1.8 million visitors a year. Its grand galleries absorb crowds well, but the Bruegel room, the Vermeer and the Kunstkammer fill with tour groups from late morning, and rainy days push everyone indoors. Thursday evenings are noticeably calmer.
Crowds by time of day
Crowds by month
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Tickets
Buy online
Online tickets are cheaper and skip the ticket queue. Leave coats and bags at the free cloakroom.
How to visit without the crowds
- Arrive at 10 am with an online ticket.
- Go up the grand staircase (look for Canova's Theseus and Klimt's spandrel paintings).
- Turn into the Picture Gallery and head to the Bruegel room first.
- See the Vermeer, then the Italian galleries: Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio.
- Go down to the Kunstkammer for the Saliera and Habsburg curiosities.
- Finish with coffee and cake in the café under the dome.
Thursday evenings
The museum stays open until 9 pm on Thursdays and is far quieter after 6 pm; some evenings include special dinner events under the dome.
A short history
Emperor Franz Joseph commissioned two matching museums facing each other on Maria-Theresien-Platz, one for natural history and one for art, to display the Habsburgs' imperial collections to the public. The Kunsthistorisches Museum opened in 1891 with lavish interiors, including paintings by a young Gustav Klimt. The collection reflects centuries of Habsburg patronage, from Rudolf II's cabinet of curiosities to Archduke Leopold Wilhelm's Flemish and Venetian paintings.
Best (and worst) times to visit
- Best: 10 am Tuesday-Friday, or Thursday after 6 pm.
- Worst: rainy weekend afternoons.
- Closed: Mondays outside some summer weeks.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Least busy time
Wednesday, 10 am-6 pm
Busiest time
Sunday, 11 am-5 pm
Plans by visitor type
Art lovers
KHM in the morning and the Belvedere's Klimts in the afternoon. Belvedere guide.
Imperial Vienna
Combine with the Hofburg and Imperial Treasury. Hofburg guide.
Families
Under 19s free; the Egyptian collection and Arcimboldo's faces are family favourites.
Short on time
90 minutes: Bruegel room, Vermeer, the Saliera and coffee under the dome.
Getting there
Maria-Theresien-Platz, on the Ringstrasse in the 1st district.
Accessibility and families
There's a step-free entrance and lifts to all floors, and wheelchairs are available. Under 19s get in free, and family activity sheets are available.
Mistakes to avoid
- Planning a Monday visit outside summer.
- Arriving at noon on a rainy Saturday.
- Missing the Kunstkammer downstairs.
- Paying on site when online is cheaper.
- Skipping the café under the dome.
🎟️ Included in the Vienna PASS. Could a pass save you money? Compare Vienna tourist passes →
FAQs
How much is the Kunsthistorisches Museum?
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About €22 online or €24 on site; under 19s are free.
Is the KHM closed on Mondays?
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Yes, except some weeks in summer.
What are the opening hours?
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Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm, with Thursdays until 9 pm.
Where are the Bruegel paintings?
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In the Picture Gallery on the first floor.
What is the best time to visit?
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10 am, or Thursday evening. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
How long do you need?
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
