Description of the attraction
Vienna's Cathedral and Diocesan Museum is located in the immediate vicinity of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. This museum is of particular interest, since here the religious art of the Middle Ages and modern art, including the avant-garde trend, are amazingly combined. The museum was opened in 1933, and in 2012-2016 it was greatly rebuilt and increased in size.
First of all, it is worth noting the exhibits that were previously located in the treasury of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Here you can see old Gothic altars and various church utensils - goblets, bowls and chalices richly decorated with gold, silver and precious stones. The luxurious robes of the archbishops deserve special mention, as well as the unique handwritten texts of church hymns that have been preserved since the Middle Ages.
The second hall is associated with the name of the first Archduke of Austria - Rudolf IV. Despite his short reign - he passed away at the age of 26 - he greatly elevated the role of his country in Europe and patronized art, science and culture. It was during his reign that the construction of the modern building of St. Stephen's Cathedral began. The museum contains his portrait, which is considered the oldest portrait in Western Europe, made in three quarters, as well as details of the luxurious decorations of the archduke's grave.
The Department of Contemporary Art is composed of works by expressionist artists of the early 20th century, including the world famous Gustav Klimt and Marc Chagall, as well as avant-garde artists of the mid-20th century, for example, Arnulf Rainer, among whose works it is worth noting "Self-portrait in the style of Rembrandt." Despite the fact that works of modern art are rarely performed on religious subjects, they still touch upon acute social issues - death and birth, violence, integration into society, etc.
The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions dedicated to the cultural and artistic traditions of other European countries.
