Art and culture events in Vienna

The 17th edition of the urbanize! festival explores streets as public urban space. From October 13 to 18, talks, discussions, workshops, city walks, films and artistic interventions address climate adaptation, mobility, social justice, protest and encounter. Events take place at different locations across Vienna and are free, although selected formats require registration.

From October 2 to 18, re:pair FESTIVAL brings more than 90 participatory events to MuseumsQuartier and other venues across Vienna. Repair clinics, workshops, exhibitions, a clothing swap, films, talks and hands-on making explore practical repair, upcycling and resource-conscious everyday life. Public workshops and activities have individual times, prices and registration requirements.

The tenth Japanese Film Days present contemporary and historic cinema from Japan. Screenings take place at Filmcasino through 14 October and continue at Filmhaus Spittelberg on 15 October. Talks and accompanying events at HABARI and the Margareten district office complete the programme. Films are shown in Japanese with English subtitles, except A New Dawn, which has German subtitles. Seating is unassigned. Reserved tickets must be collected at least 30 minutes before the screening; festival passes are reserved by email.

The Mariahilf Women’s Weeks bring workshops, talks, readings, movement and music to several venues in the sixth district from 12 to 23 October. The programme opens with an art performance and includes 19 announced sessions. Workshops are intended for women and girls; everyone is welcome at the other events. Admission is free, with material fees for two craft workshops. Registration is requested for many workshops.

Shows, workshops, talks and club nights make up the Vienna Drag Festival. Radio Altglas at Marea Alta and a discussion at Das Gugg start the programme. Dschungel hosts the Dutzi and Athene Show, the Miss*ter competition and Drag Society, alongside drag and voguing workshops. Several talks and parties are free; shows and workshops require tickets. The final club night runs until 4 am on 18 October. The three house shows also appear in the stage section; this festival card brings the programme together.

The four-day TAKT Festival brings music together with dance, theatre, photography, fashion and discussion. Nine programme entries at Das LOT explore the theme Shadow:Play. Thursday starts at 8 pm, Friday at 7 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm. Day tickets and festival passes are available. A limited number of free Kulturpass places can be requested from the association. The organiser publishes start times but no fixed finish times.

The multimedia exhibition PULS examines Vienna’s streets as social, climatic and political lifelines. Young artists explore movement, heat, encounter, standstill and visibility. The programme includes a pre-opening tour followed by the vernissage, a photo walk through Ottakring, and a closing event with a curatorial tour and queer-feminist discussion.

“Oberwasser” presents work by five artists inside the Favoriten Water Tower. The opening on 13 October includes a tower tour at 7:30 pm, followed by three further exhibition days through the closing event on 16 October.

Conservators introduce historic materials, wall decoration, sculpture and normally inaccessible parts of the Hermesvilla. The programme includes 25 tours and workshops, with touch tours, plain German and Austrian Sign Language. Some Friday sessions are for professionals; Saturday also welcomes families, with forest bathing from age six and a travel workshop from age ten. Registration is required; seven sessions are sold out, and two backstage tours are exclusively for supporters. Allow about 20 minutes to walk from Lainzer Tor; a shuttle is announced for visitors with mobility impairments. The villa itself is not fully accessible.

At YOVO26 in Vienna City Hall on 16 October, around 40 nonprofit organisations present opportunities for young people to volunteer. Visitors can explore projects in social work, environmental and climate protection, and other fields. Admission is free; schools are asked to register.

The art and antiques market at Am Hof offers rarities, paintings, historical prints, coins and other collectables on Fridays and Saturdays. It is held in the historic city centre and runs during the day until mid-November.

Creative Cluster opens its studios and shared spaces on two afternoons. Around 140 artists and cultural practitioners present their work and discuss their practice. Calle Libre’s studio is also taking part. The former school in Margareten offers a chance to explore creative work and meet its makers. Doors are open from 1 to 9 pm on both days. The current organiser post does not list separately timed performances.

Children’s clothing, toys and women’s fashion are the focus of this combined KIDS & WOMAN flea market. It runs from 9 am to 1 pm in the car park by Marxhalle. The organiser lists a new entrance at the corner of Baumgasse and Hermine-Jursa-Gasse. Visitor admission is €2, with free entry for children through age 14. The outdoor market is scheduled to operate in all weather.

The 14th Vienna Volunteer Fair brings nonprofit organisations to City Hall on 17 and 18 October. Visitors can speak with organisations at their stands and explore different ways to volunteer. Admission is free.

The interactive “Kunst=Arbeit” exhibition at the Semmelweisklinik explores working conditions in the arts. Displays and open discussions address access, power and precarious employment; the venue is open from 11 am to 9 pm.

At the curated by festival, international curators develop exhibitions for 24 Vienna galleries. The opening weekend features extended hours and guided tours; the festival continues until mid-October. During the festival: Tue–Fri 12–18, Sat 12–16.

Kunsthalle Wien presents contemporary art from Vienna at its Museumsquartier and Karlsplatz locations. The exhibition brings together different media and artistic perspectives on the city. Both venues open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm, and Thursday until 8 pm; closed Mondays.

The anniversary exhibition traces the long and contested path from the imperial stables to today's MuseumsQuartier. Architectural proposals, political decisions and public debates show how the cultural complex changed Vienna. Visit Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm; closed Mondays.

The Lower Belvedere presents work by Erika Giovanna Klien exploring movement, perception and modern life. The exhibition runs from 18 September 2026 to 31 January 2027 during the museum’s regular opening hours.

The Academy’s Paintings Gallery examines the relationship between the avant-garde and academic art through historical and contemporary works. The exhibition opens to regular visitors on 2 October, with an opening event on 1 October at 7 pm.

MAK presents historical architectural building kits from 1890 to 1990. Original kits and models explore how playful construction has shaped ideas about architecture, with opportunities for visitors to experiment. The exhibition runs from 7 October 2026 to 14 March 2027. Open Tuesday, 10 am–9 pm, and Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm; closed Mondays. The opening event on 6 October at 7 pm precedes the regular exhibition dates.

Curated by Sarah Johanna Theurer and Aditi Kapoor, this group exhibition examines the psychological costs of producing, using and consuming goods and infrastructure. Time-based media reveal hidden connections and dependencies within these systems. Regular exhibition visits run from 11 September to 7 November: Tuesday–Friday, 11 am–7 pm; Saturday, 11 am–3 pm. Closed Mondays, Sundays and public holidays.

This five-act exhibition takes Kate Millett’s 1972 installation “Terminal Piece” as its point of departure, placing around 400 works from the mumok collection in dialogue with loans and new commissions. The prologue on Level 0 is free to visit.

In her solo exhibition, Ana de Almeida examines carnations and roses as political symbols in Cold War imagery. Taking the Portuguese Carnation Revolution and the Czechoslovak Velvet Revolution as points of departure, archival photographs, metal drawings and living plants form a spatial constellation.

This exhibition at Weltmuseum Wien examines the arms trade around 1900 and its social consequences. Historical photographs, films and objects are shown alongside contemporary art. Opens on 29 September.

This shared virtual-reality experience takes groups of up to six to stars, space telescopes and a black hole. It was developed with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The VR journey lasts around 40 minutes; allow an hour including briefing and equipment. Minimum age is six, with nine and over recommended; children aged six to 14 must be accompanied. The indoor experience is available in German and English. Arrive 15 minutes before the booked slot. Tickets currently extend through 10 January.

The ALBERTINA presents a solo exhibition by Shara Hughes. Her vivid paintings combine landscape motifs with imagined spaces. The exhibition runs from 9 October to 28 February.

This interactive mission takes groups through a walk-through Minecraft world to gather resources and help a village. The experience lasts about 60 minutes and requires no personal gaming device. All ages are welcome; visitors through age 14 need an accompanying adult over 18. Ages two and under enter free. Timed tickets and selected quieter Relaxed Sessions are available. Mondays are usually closed, with holiday exceptions; 26 October is bookable. Tickets currently extend through 28 February.

This exhibition in the Austrian National Library’s State Hall explores displacement and aid during the Hungarian uprising of 1956. Photographs from the library’s collections document how refugees were received, supported and helped on their onward journeys.

The exhibition Figure of the Child by Tolia Astakhishvili is running at mumok. The official MQ site lists the end date as November 1, 2026.

Hannes Gröblacher’s installation in the Kunstzelle in WUK’s courtyard draws on fragments of overheard phone calls. At the opening on 23 September at 7 pm, visitors can join a performance that passes these fragments between people. The installation remains accessible until 6 November during WUK opening hours.

The exhibition Schwelle runs at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's Exhibit Gallery from September 10 to October 18, 2026. Five artistic positions explore and physically challenge transitions between interior, exhibition and public space. Visit Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm; closed Mondays and public holidays.

Historical sources from the monastery’s archive, library and art collections use maps, scientific works, travel diaries and expedition records to show how worldviews have changed.

The ALBERTINA brings Pablo Picasso and Francis Bacon together in a major exhibition of around 70 key works from international museums and private collections. Their radical depictions of the human figure, vulnerability, pain and desire take centre stage.

The exhibition tells the life stories of Viennese Jews forced into exile after the 1938 Anschluss. It explores the loss of home, difficult new beginnings and repeated journeys of flight to different parts of the world.

Historical photographs and objects meet contemporary voices and art by the Ishír of Paraguay. Developed with representatives of the community, the exhibition explores how cultural heritage is remembered and passed on today. Open Tue–Sun 10 am–6 pm, Tuesdays until 9 pm; closed Mondays except selected public holidays.

At the MAK Forum, Kateryna Lysovenko presents paintings that connect personal observations with social and political questions. The Austria-based artist works with everyday scenes, fragments of news and transformations of familiar imagery. Open Tue 10 am–9 pm and Wed–Sun 10 am–6 pm; closed Mondays except public holidays.

The Weltmuseum presents objects from its collections that have rarely or never been shown publicly. Combs and hair ornaments, stone sculptures and contemporary art offer insights into their origins, cultural significance and current research. Open Tue–Sun 10 am–6 pm, Tuesdays until 9 pm; closed Mondays except selected public holidays.

WestLicht is hosting the World Press Photo exhibition 2026 for the 25th time in Vienna. You can see 42 award-winning works selected from 57,376 submissions by over 3,747 photographers from 141 countries. Open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM, Thursdays until 9 PM.

With “We Are Here”, FOTO ARSENAL WIEN presents Austria’s first extensive solo exhibition of Zanele Muholi. Works spanning more than two decades connect self-representation, queer lived realities and visual activism.

The Heidi Horten Collection presents a major solo exhibition of Elisabeth von Samsonow, bringing together sculpture, painting, drawing, film and a site-specific installation. The show centres on earth, the body, memory and transformation, while also connecting to works in the museum collection.

This group exhibition at Kunsthalle Exnergasse explores care, parenthood and collaborative artistic practice. The regular exhibition runs from September 17 to October 24, with talks, workshops and performances scheduled separately.

The multimedia exhibition PULS examines Vienna’s streets as social, climatic and political lifelines. Young artists explore movement, heat, encounter, standstill and visibility. The programme includes a pre-opening tour followed by the vernissage, a photo walk through Ottakring, and a closing event with a curatorial tour and queer-feminist discussion.

The 20th Vienna Kunstsupermarkt presents original art for sale on Mariahilfer Straße. The opening and anniversary celebration starts at 5 pm on 14 October. The regular season runs from 15 October to 13 March 2027: Monday to Friday 11 am–7 pm and Saturday 10 am–6 pm. Admission is free; art purchases cost extra. Closed on Sundays. The current calendar lists closures around public holidays and New Year; check the source before a holiday visit.

Kunst VHS opens its open-call exhibition on the theme of “Dialogue”. Submitted works are displayed and the winners selected by an expert jury are announced. The opening takes place on 22 September 2026, 6–9 pm, at Lazarettgasse 27. Admission is free.

“Oberwasser” presents work by five artists inside the Favoriten Water Tower. The opening on 13 October includes a tower tour at 7:30 pm, followed by three further exhibition days through the closing event on 16 October.

The art and antiques market at Am Hof offers rarities, paintings, historical prints, coins and other collectables on Fridays and Saturdays. It is held in the historic city centre and runs during the day until mid-November.

At the weekly flea market next to Naschmarkt, around 400 private and commercial sellers offer antiques, second-hand goods, and curiosities. In September 2026, it takes place on all four Saturdays starting at 6:30 AM; entry is free. Saturdays, 6:30 am–3 pm; closed on public holidays. This ongoing market is listed here through the end of 2026.

WIENXTRA-Cinemagic screens four family-friendly monster films across six October showings. The programme includes “Molly Monster”, “Hotel Transylvania”, “Minions & Monster” and “Ein völlig verrücktes Halloween”, with additional activities after selected screenings.

Bernd Watzka reads humorous and satirical poems centred on his eccentric Viennese character Herlicek. The free series travels through parks, inns, cafés and a district hall across several Vienna neighbourhoods.

The Austrian National Library joins Austria Reads with free tours and research training. On four evenings, Six feet under explores the library and its normally hidden book storage. Five separate sessions on 21 October cover the library, AI, women’s movements and historic news. Meet at the Centre for Information and Media Literacy in Neue Burg, reached through the middle gate at Heldenplatz. Places are limited, so free registration through the linked Eventbrite calendar is required.

This exhibition examines an ancient tomb in Ephesos and the power struggles involving Cleopatra, Caesar, Mark Antony and Augustus. It runs from October 20, 2026 to March 29, 2027 at Neue Hofburg, entered through Weltmuseum Wien on Heldenplatz. Regular hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, with late opening until 9 pm on Tuesdays; closed Mondays. Separate museum opening hours apply on public holidays.

EUth hosts a conversation with ORF journalist Stefan Lenglinger about political reporting, his work and how media are changing. Questions and discussion are central, followed by pizza. Registration is currently closed because no places are available.

This cabinet exhibition explores shoes as a subject in art. Andy Warhol’s prints appear alongside works by artists including Birgit Jürgenssen, Gudrun Kampl and Lena Henke. It runs from October 21, 2026 to April 18, 2027 at the Heidi Horten Collection. Regular opening hours are 11 am to 7 pm every day except Tuesday, with late opening until 9 pm on Thursdays. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing; check the current visitor information for exceptions.

Meidling’s first literature festival runs on selected dates from 1 October to 14 November, with readings, shared reading sessions and workshops at venues across the district. The programme includes children’s literature with Michael Roher, readings with Hamed Abboud and Rotraut Schöberl, and a youth workshop with Kid Pex. All events are free, with registration required because places are limited. Each programme entry lists its venue.

The Viennale brings international films and conversations to Gartenbaukino, Stadtkino, Urania, Filmmuseum and METRO Kinokulturhaus. The festival runs from October 22 to November 3. The full schedule is released on October 13 at 8 pm; advance ticket sales start on October 17 at 10 am.

Crime Night brings more than 30 authors to Viennese cafés and other venues for readings from their crime fiction. Admission is free; visitors should check the individual programme for start times, participating venues and possible reservation rules.

At “Murder on Board”, Kornelius Taxenbach reads from his Vienna crime novel “Der tote Panther” aboard Badeschiff Wien. Film clips from an earlier book presentation accompany the reading on screen. The free event is for ages 16 and up and requires registration.

A walk through Schwarzenberggarten combines light installations, sound and contemporary art. Allow roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. Entry requires a ticket for a specific time slot; start times change during the season. The route is outdoors and generally operates in winter weather. It has no steps but includes slopes; pushchairs are allowed. The official shop lists entry slots from 23 October through 10 January.

This pop-up exhibition brings together well-known motifs and visual installations from Banksy’s work at METAStadt. It is explicitly not authorised by the artist. Opening hours are 10 am–6 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and public holidays, and 10 am–7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays; last admission is one hour before closing.

Upper Belvedere opens free of charge on Friday evening. Short tours connect works in the collection with democracy, political participation and Austria’s State Treaty. The evening is part of Democracy Week. A free timed ticket is required; booking opens on 16 October. Individual tour times have not yet been published.

The first Utopia Days bring workshops on solidarity, care, climate justice and urban life together with art, games, music and vegan food. Saturday opens at 11 am in Nordbergstraße; Sunday opens at noon in Romanogasse. Many activities use German and English, with some discussions in one language only. Attendance is free and donations are welcome. Sunday’s Zeile mit Schlag workshop is still unconfirmed and is therefore not a confirmed programme entry. Overall closing times have not been published.

How can fungi become insulation or other compostable building materials? Flavia Matei from BASEhabitat introduces the possibilities of mycelium. The practical part mainly uses clay. This two-hour Archikids workshop welcomes children aged six and over and adults. Register by emailing [email protected].

At the Vienna Safety Festival, emergency and aid organisations present their work on City Hall Square. The free programme runs from 9 am to 4 pm on both days.