Several of Vienna's most prominent museums are presenting significant exhibitions, some with free admission, as a new chapter begins for the city's art scene. Art enthusiasts have limited time to experience these acclaimed collections and installations before they close or change format.

New Era at Mumok with Free Public Access

The Mumok is ushering in a new phase under Swedish director Fatima Hellberg. To celebrate, the museum is granting free entry to all visitors on Saturday, from 14:00 to 20:00. During this period, two major exhibitions will be unveiled. The first, titled "Terminal Piece," is a comprehensive presentation of the museum's collection, organized in five acts and introduced by a prologue designed by stage designer Anna Viebrock. The exhibition integrates diverse works, including pieces by Zoe Leonard, and explores thematic connections across the collection. The second exhibition, "Figure of the Child," features an immersive installation by Georgian artist Tolia Astakhishvili, offering a contemporary perspective within the museum's program.

In addition to the exhibitions, Mumok will host a series of interactive activities for visitors, such as screen printing, puppet making, and flower wreath workshops, making the event accessible to a broad audience and encouraging engagement with the creative process.

Last Days for Courbet Retrospective at Leopold Museum

The Leopold Museum is nearing the conclusion of a landmark exhibition dedicated to the French realist painter Gustave Courbet. The retrospective, which has attracted approximately 130,000 visitors, is the first of its scale on Courbet in Austria. Highlights include iconic works such as "Bonjour, Monsieur Courbet," as well as self-portraits and notable paintings that chart the artist's influence as a realist and innovator. The exhibition will close on Sunday, and the museum has extended its opening hours from Thursday to Sunday, remaining open from 10:00 to 21:00 to accommodate the anticipated influx of final visitors.

Klimt and Medical Science Explored at Josefinum

Another notable exhibition in Vienna focuses on the intersection of art and science, with a display centered on Gustav Klimt's engagement with the medical research of his era. Hosted at the Josefinum, the exhibition presents 25 of Klimt's drawings, selected by guest curator Tobias Natter, one of Austria's foremost Klimt experts. These artworks are exhibited alongside medical historical artifacts from the Josefinum's collection, providing insights into how scientific advancements influenced Klimt's ornamentation and creative vision. The exhibition is open until June 28, with standard visiting hours from Wednesday to Sunday between 10:00 and 18:00, and extended hours on Thursdays until 20:00. A comprehensive catalogue accompanies the exhibition for those interested in exploring the topic further.

These exhibitions offer a rare opportunity for the public to engage with major works of art and unique curatorial perspectives, as Vienna's museums mark transitions, close successful shows, and highlight the dialogue between artistic innovation and cultural history.