Museum der Moderne — Attraction in Salzburg

The Museum der Moderne Salzburg was founded with the "Gift Welz", a collection of modern printmaking, and opened in 1983 in the early baroque palace of the former seminary "Collegium Rupertinum" in the old town of Salzburg as "Modern Gallery and Graphic Collection - Rupertinum". Founding director Otto Breicha (1983-1998) expanded the collection by buying Austrian photography. In this part of the collection, known as the "Austrian Photo Gallery", holdings of the federal government are also administered. Under the leadership of Director Peter Weiermair (1998-2001), the program of the Rupertinum has become more international.

In the 1990s, spectacular plans for a Guggenheim Museum Salzburg were forged in the rock of the Mönchsberg, which were ultimately not realized. Finally, a new building for a "museum of modernity" was erected on the Mönchsberg, where Café Winkler was previously based. In 2004, under the direction of Agnes Husslein (2000-2005) opened the Museum der Moderne on Mönchsberg. In the 2000s, the house was brought closer to contemporary art, which has for some time been the focus of the program. Under director Toni Stooss (2005-2013), a prominent painting by Gustav Klimt was restituted to the rightful owners. With a portion of the sales proceeds generously donated by the owners, the former water tower on Mönchsberg was upgraded.

Since autumn 2013 Dr. Sabine Breitwieser Director of the Museum der Moderne Salzburg. Under her leadership, the museum was re-profiled. From now on, an art concept is at the center, which includes not only classical media such as printmaking, photography, painting and sculpture but also sections such as architecture, performance art, dance and cross-border forms of art. For the first time, large solo exhibitions have been dedicated to numerous important female artists and non-Western artists are increasingly being included in the program. Projects are partly developed in cooperation with local and international institutions. In addition to a unique exhibition program, the collection also undergoes a reassessment as the identity of the Museum der Moderne Salzburg. In 2014, a comprehensive partnership with the Generali Foundation was established and its international and high-carat collection was won on permanent loan. In addition to a substantive and financial enhancement of the museum, numerous improvements to the infrastructure are being implemented under the current management. In 2016, the starting signal was given for the construction of an adequate art depot in Guggenthal, which was completed in December 2017. The Rupertinum was partially renovated and reopened in summer 2016 with newly designed exhibition rooms and the Generali Foundation Study Center. In addition to a substantive and financial enhancement of the museum, numerous improvements to the infrastructure are being implemented under the current management. In 2016, the starting signal was given for the construction of an adequate art depot in Guggenthal, which was completed in December 2017. The Rupertinum was partially renovated and reopened in summer 2016 with newly designed exhibition rooms and the Generali Foundation Study Center. In addition to a substantive and financial enhancement of the museum, numerous improvements to the infrastructure are being implemented under the current management. In 2016, the starting signal was given for the construction of an adequate art depot in Guggenthal, which was completed in December 2017. The Rupertinum was partially renovated and reopened in summer 2016 with newly designed exhibition rooms and the Generali Foundation...

We spent the afternoon 2-6pm enjoying the thought-provoking exhibits on the Monschberg location. Unbelievably, we had no time for the other location:(((

At Monschberg, the exhibits on all three floors were open: the first level: Playing Rules - starting with a tennis match, and Eau de Jardin where one’s approach to 8 plants is translated into virtual growth on the screen. The second level: dedicated to a documentation of Rose English’s performance art. We enjoyed very much the recordings of her performances even though some parts weren’t so audible. (I was so intrigued I tried to find more online after wards) The third level: showcased the museum’s collection across the years. https://www.museumdermoderne.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Ausstellungen/Raeume_oeffnen/Breaking_Down_Walls_Booklet_EN.pdf It included a very special VR immersion which I am so grateful to Valarie for extending a last facilitation to us at 510pm🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼don’t miss this one or you will regret it! We also saw our first Klimt and Egon Schiele on this Austrian trip here.

Well worth every euro €16 including two way lift. The view was great from the look out (we had our own binoculos). And we also enjoyed a tea break at the...

Museum der Moderne Salzburg Mönchsberg @ Salzburg 🖼️🇦🇹 📍 Mönchsberg, Salzburg

Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Mönchsberg, the Museum der Moderne Salzburg is a striking modern building that contrasts beautifully with Salzburg’s historic Old Town below. Even if you don’t step inside, its location makes it a highlight along the Mönchsberg hiking route.

I reached it while hiking down from Fortress Hohensalzburg, passing through Bürgerwehr and Schartentor. From the museum’s terrace, you get sweeping views over the city—perfect for panoramic shots before continuing toward Humboldtterrasse. The clean, contemporary architecture against the natural backdrop makes it a photogenic spot in its own right.

Along this stretch of the trail, there were only a few locals enjoying the park, making it a peaceful moment to pause and take in the view before moving on.

🧭 Tip: If you have time, step inside for the rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Otherwise, the terrace alone is worth the stop for its vantage point...