The Kupferstichkabinett (print room) of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is one of Austria’s most important graphic collections. It is the Academy’s visual memory: drawings, prints and photographs from the 14th century to the present.
The holdings serve research, teaching and the interested public. Because works on paper are sensitive to light, they are not shown permanently. A selection appears in special exhibitions; the collection as a whole may be consulted in the study room by appointment.
Collection
Since cataloguing began in the late 19th century, the holdings have been divided into three areas:
- about 40,000 drawings
- about 38,000 prints
- about 25,000 photographs
The works come from various European artistic landscapes. Among the earliest are Gothic architectural drawings of the 14th and 15th centuries and engravings from the second half of the 15th century, including a group by Martin Schongauer. The collection continues to grow through purchases of contemporary art — especially by Academy graduates — and through gifts.
Search
Part of the collection is available through the online database, which is updated on an ongoing basis. For further research please contact the Kupferstichkabinett.
Study room
In the study room, researchers and visitors can request selected works and study them in detail. Courses and announced tours also take place here. Use of the room is free of charge.
Kupferstichkabinett, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
Study room, basement
Schillerplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Visits by appointment only
Please bring a valid photo ID and complete a registration form on arrival.
Contact
Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
Kupferstichkabinett
Schillerplatz 3
1010 Vienna
Austria
Current opening hours, exhibitions and the Collections Online of the Academy’s art collections are also available at kunstsammlungenakademie.at and on the website of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.