All Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums to visit in Austria

Discover the artistic treasures of the past at 39 museums in Austria dedicated to medieval and early Renaissance art. These museums showcase masterpieces from a pivotal era in art history.

Are you captivated by medieval and Renaissance art? Here are the best museums to visit in Austria:

  1. Golden Roof1

    Golden Roof

     Innsbruck
    The Goldenes Dachl, or Golden Roof, is a landmark structure situated in the Old Town area of Innsbruck, Austria. This iconic symbol of the city was completed in 1500 and is adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. The roof was commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I to celebrate his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza. The balcony of the Golden Roof was used by the Emperor and his wife to observe various events and festivals taking place in the square below.
  2. DomQuartier Salzburg2

    DomQuartier Salzburg

     Salzburg
    The DomQuartier Salzburg, established in 2014, is a museum complex located in the city of Salzburg. It offers a unique blend of architectural structures and a display of both secular and sacred art collections centered around the Salzburg Cathedral and the Cathedral Square. The establishment of the DomQuartier has made several previously inaccessible areas open to the public.
  3. Online discount!Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna3

    Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

     Vienna
    The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna is one of the world’s foremost museums. Experience the rich collections of the Habsburgs, a dynasty that ruled in Austria for more than 600 years, for most of that time as Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. It boasts exhibits spanning five millennia, from Ancient
  4. Klosterneuburg Monastery4

    Klosterneuburg Monastery

     Klosterneuburg
    The Klosterneuburg Monastery, located northwest of Vienna in the town of Klosterneuburg, belongs to the congregation of the Austrian Augustinian Canons Regular. The complex has a rich history, dating back to its foundation by the Austrian Margrave Leopold III and his wife Agnes of Waiblingen in the early 12th century.
  5. Hochosterwitz Castle5

    Hochosterwitz Castle

     Launsdorf
    Hochosterwitz Castle, known as Burg Hochosterwitz in German, is a significant medieval castle in Austria. It is situated near Sankt Georgen am Längsee, in the district of Sankt Veit an der Glan, in Carinthia. The castle's strategic location and historical significance make it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  6. Tyrolean State Museum6

    Tyrolean State Museum

     Innsbruck
    The Tyrolean State Museum, also known as the Ferdinandeum, is located in the city of Innsbruck. The museum is named after Ferdinand II of Austria, who was a Duke of Austria and Count of Tyrol. The museum was first opened to the public in 1823, making it a significant historical institution in the region.
  7. Admont Abbey Library7

    Admont Abbey Library

     Admont
    The Admont Abbey Library, completed in 1776, is a baroque monastic library tract located in Admont, Upper Styria. This architectural marvel has been referred to as the eighth wonder of the world in the past, showcasing the grandeur and historical significance of the place.
  8. Online discount!Imperial Treasury Vienna8

    Imperial Treasury Vienna

     Vienna
    Awaiting you at the Imperial Treasury Vienna in the Hofburg Palace is the Austrian Imperial Crown and the insignia of the Holy Roman Empire with the Imperial Crown and the Holy Lance. Other highlights include the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece and parts of the immensely opulent treasure
  9. Joanneum Universal Museum9

    Joanneum Universal Museum

     Graz
    The Universalmuseum Joanneum, located in the Austrian state of Styria, holds the distinction of being the oldest, largest, and most versatile museum in Austria, second only to the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. This museum offers a wide range of exhibits and collections, making it a significant cultural and historical site in Austria.
  10. Museum Lauriacum10

    Museum Lauriacum

     Enns
    The Museum Lauriacum is situated in the city of Enns, within the district of Linz-Land in Upper Austria. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the region, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of the area.
  11. Schallaburg Castle11

    Schallaburg Castle

     Schollach
    The Schallaburg Castle is a unique blend of architectural styles. It combines elements of a Romanesque residential castle and a Gothic chapel, all patterned in the Italian Renaissance style. This mix of styles gives the castle a distinctive and appealing aesthetic that is sure to captivate visitors.
  12. Burg Bruck12

    Burg Bruck

     Lienz
    Schloss Bruck served as the residence of the Counts of Görz from around 1278 to 1500, adding a rich historical context to the castle. One of the key features of the castle is its chapel, adorned with frescoes by Simon von Taisten. These frescoes are a significant attraction for art and history enthusiasts visiting the castle.
  13. Gozzoburg Castle13

    Gozzoburg Castle

     Krems an der Donau
    Gozzoburg is a high medieval city castle located in Krems an der Donau, Lower Austria. This historical site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing architecture from the high middle ages. The castle's unique structure and historical significance make it a notable destination for those interested in history and architecture.
  14. Schwaz Silver Mine14

    Schwaz Silver Mine

     Schwaz
    The Schwaz Silver Mine, located in Schwaz, Tyrol, is a visitor mine that offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and workings of a silver mine. The mine, which was one of the largest and most productive in the region during the late Middle Ages, provides a fascinating insight into the harsh conditions faced by miners and the techniques they used to extract silver and other minerals.
  15. Cathedral Museum15

    Cathedral Museum

     Salzburg
    The Salzburg Cathedral Museum, located in the South Oratory of the Salzburg Cathedral, serves a dual role as the Diocesan Museum. This unique location within the cathedral itself offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and religious significance of the region.
  16. Großdöllnerhof16

    Großdöllnerhof

     Rechberg
    Großdöllnerhof is a historical site that dates back 400 years. It is located in the Mühlviertel Nature Park in the municipality of Rechberg. Today, it serves as an open-air museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The farmstead is a protected monument, showcasing the typical Mühlviertel technique of stone-bare wall construction. This technique involves the use of uncut granite blocks and whitewashed mortar zones to structure the exterior walls.
  17. Mining and Gothic Museum Leogang17

    Mining and Gothic Museum Leogang

     Berg
    The Museum of Mining and Gothic Art Leogang, established in 1992, is situated in the scenic locale of Hütten, Leogang, in the Zell am See District of the Austrian Province of Salzburg. This museum is a tribute to the region's 3000-year-old mining tradition and serves as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the area.
  18. Höbarth Museum18

    Höbarth Museum

     Horn
    The Höbarth Museum, located in the city of Horn, is named after the local researcher Josef Höbarth. This museum is a significant part of the city's cultural and historical landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the region.
  19. Upper Austrian Castle Museum Reichenstein19

    Upper Austrian Castle Museum Reichenstein

     Tragwein
    Reichenstein Castle, located in the town of Reichenstein in the municipality of Tragwein in the district of Freistadt in Upper Austria, is a semi-ruin of a castle that was converted into a chateau. The castle is situated on a narrow, steeply sloping rock ridge above a river loop of the Waldaist. The castle offers a unique blend of historical architecture and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination for tourists.
  20. Gemäldegalerie der Akademie der bildenden Künste20

    Gemäldegalerie der Akademie der bildenden Künste

     Vienna
    The Gemäldegalerie der Akademie der bildenden Künste is an art museum in Vienna. It features a painting gallery that includes around 1600 paintings from early Italian panel painting of the 14th and 15th centuries to painting from the Academy from the 18th and early 19th centuries. They include The L
  21. Tyrolean State Museum21

    Tyrolean State Museum

     Hall in Tirol
    The Tyrolean State Museum, also known as Il Ferdinandeum, is a significant cultural institution located in the city of Innsbruck. The museum was named after Duke Ferdinand II of Austria, reflecting the rich historical ties of the region. It offers visitors a chance to delve into the history and culture of Tyrol, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in understanding the region's past.
  22. Hasegg Castle22

    Hasegg Castle

     Hall in Tirol
    Hasegg Castle, also known as Burg Hasegg, is a historical site located in Hall in Tirol, Austria. The castle, which dates back to around 1300, was originally a defensive structure built to protect the local salt mines, river shipbuilding industry, and a key road crossing. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's rich history and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past.
  23. Archeo Norico Castle Museum23

    Archeo Norico Castle Museum

     Deutschlandsberg
    Burg Deutschlandsberg, located in Styria, Austria, is a historical site that offers a glimpse into the country's past. The castle stands at an elevation of 398 meters, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Its strategic location and architectural design are a testament to the defensive structures of the medieval period.
  24. Augustine Museum Rattenberg24

    Augustine Museum Rattenberg

     Rattenberg
    The Augustine Museum Rattenberg is a significant cultural institution situated in Rattenberg, Tyrol. This Austrian museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and artistic heritage of the region.
  25. Imperial Armoury25

    Imperial Armoury

     Vienna
    The Hofjagd- und Rüstkammer is the Imperial Armoury in Vienna that illustrates many centuries of European history through its collection of decorated harnesses, saddles and firearms. A highlight in the museum is the golden sword of Maximilian II (1527-1576), one of the most beautiful weapons in the
  26. MAMUZ Castle Asparn / Zaya26

    MAMUZ Castle Asparn / Zaya

     Asparn an der Zaya
    Schloss Asparn, situated in the market town of Asparn an der Zaya in the Weinviertel region of Lower Austria, has been home to the Museum of Prehistory since 1970. In 2014, it also became the location for the Museum of Early History and Medieval Archaeology. These museums offer a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the past and explore the early history of human civilization.
  27. Burg Sommeregg27

    Burg Sommeregg

     Seeboden am Millstätter See
    Sommeregg is a medieval castle located near Seeboden in the Austrian state of Carinthia. The castle is nestled in the foothills of the Nock Mountains and stands at an altitude of 749 meters. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a historical site while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
  28. Ballhaus Museum28

    Ballhaus Museum

     Imst
    The Museum im Ballhaus (MiB), located in the city of Imst, serves as a city museum. It is dedicated to documenting the history and culture of the city. This museum provides a comprehensive overview of the city's past, making it an ideal destination for those interested in learning more about Imst's rich history and cultural heritage.
  29. Saint Paul's Abbey, Lavanttal29

    Saint Paul's Abbey, Lavanttal

     Sankt Paul im Lavanttal
    Saint Paul's Abbey in Lavanttal is a historical Benedictine monastery that was established in 1091. It is located near the market town of Sankt Paul im Lavanttal in the Austrian state of Carinthia. This ancient monastery offers a glimpse into the rich history and religious traditions of the region.
  30. Vergilius Chapel Museum30

    Vergilius Chapel Museum

     Vienna
    The Vergilius Chapel (Virgilkapelle) is an underground crypt that is located next to the Stephansdom in Vienna. The chapel is rectangular in form with six niches and lies around 12 meters beneath the ground. A small exhibition gives a historical outline of medieval Vienna. It is possible to look int
  31. Neidhart Frescoes31

    Neidhart Frescoes

     Vienna
    The Neidhart Frescoes (Neidhart Fresken) is the oldest secular mural paintings in Vienna. It was commissioned by the merchant Michael Menschein and show scenes from the life and work of the minne singer Neidhart von Reuental (circa 1180 to 1240), illustrating daily life and festive culture of the Mi
  32. Schatzkammer Gurk32

    Schatzkammer Gurk

     Klagenfurt
    The Diocesan Museum (Diözesanmuseum) of Klagenfurt is situated at Lidmanskygasse 10A. This museum is housed in a modern building that is conveniently located next to the cathedral. It provides an easy access for tourists who are visiting the cathedral and want to explore more about the history and culture of the region.
  33. Stiftsmuseum Mattsee33

    Stiftsmuseum Mattsee

     Mattsee
    Stift Mattsee, located in Mattsee, Austria, is a collegiate church that has been in existence since around 1045. It holds the distinction of being the oldest existing community of secular priests in Austria. This historical significance adds a unique charm to the place, making it a point of interest for those who appreciate history and architecture.
  34. Millstatt Abbey34

    Millstatt Abbey

     Millstatt am See
    Millstatt Abbey is situated in the picturesque Austrian municipality of Millstatt am See, nestled within the district of Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the region while enjoying the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape.
  35. Museum für Rechtsgeschichte35

    Museum für Rechtsgeschichte

     Pöggstall
    The Museum für mittelalterliche Rechtsgeschichte, also known as the Torture Museum, was a unique institution located in the 6th district of Vienna, Mariahilf. It offered a deep dive into the history of European legal systems, with a particular focus on the torture methods used from the Middle Ages to the early modern period. However, it's important to note that this museum is no longer operational.
  36. Wallfahrtsbasilika Mariapfarr36

    Wallfahrtsbasilika Mariapfarr

     Althofen
    The Wallfahrtsbasilika Mariapfarr is a significant religious site located in the municipality of Mariapfarr, in the Lungau district of the state of Salzburg. This Roman Catholic parish and pilgrimage church is dedicated to 'Our Beloved Lady' Maria Assumption. The church holds the title of a Basilica minor, a title bestowed by the Pope to churches of historical and spiritual significance. It is also under monument protection, further emphasizing its historical and cultural value.
  37. Ambras Castle37

    Ambras Castle

     Innsbruck
    Ambras Castle Innsbruck is one of the main attractions of the state capital of Tyrol. The provincial sovereign, Archduke Ferdinand II (1529 – 1595), son of Emperor Ferdinand I, converted the Castle into a Renaissance palace, which is home to a museum building housing his famous collections. They con
  38. Museum für mittelalterliche Rechtsgeschichte38

    Museum für mittelalterliche Rechtsgeschichte

     Vienna
    The Museum für mittelalterliche Rechtsgeschichte (Museum of Medieval Legal History, or Torture Museum) is a museum in Vienna that covers the history of European law with a focus on torture methods from the Middle Ages to the early modern period. The entrance of the museum leads to a bomb shelter fro
  39. Seebenstein Castle39

    Seebenstein Castle

     Seebenstein
    Seebenstein Castle, situated in Seebenstein, Lower Austria, is a unique structure that comprises two distinct parts. The older section of the castle features a round keep and a ruined palace dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The newer part, known as the high castle, was constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries.