Long Nights of Museums (2024) – Schedule

-This post is updated every year.-

“Long Night of Museums” (Lange Nacht der Museen) is an annual cultural event that takes place in Vienna and several other cities across Europe. During this special night, numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions open their doors to the public for extended hours, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the exhibits and collections well into the late evening and sometimes even early morning. (Starting from 6p.m. until 1a.m., so it’s technically 7 hours – give or take.)

The event typically takes place on a Saturday night, or the first Saturday of October, and it has become a popular and eagerly anticipated occasion for both locals and tourists. The Long Night of Museums offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in culture to experience Vienna’s rich heritage and artistic offerings in a fun and immersive way.

During the Long Night of Museums, visitors purchase a single ticket that grants them access to multiple participating museums and cultural venues. The ticket often includes unlimited use of special shuttle buses or public transportation to easily move between different locations.

What to Expect

In addition to exploring the regular exhibits and collections, the Long Night of Museums often features a diverse program of events and activities, including:

1. Guided Tours: Many museums offer guided tours or special talks by curators, providing deeper insights into their exhibits.
2. Performances: Live music, dance performances, theater shows, and other artistic presentations are common during the event.
3. Workshops: Some museums organize interactive workshops where visitors can engage in creative activities or learn traditional crafts.
4. Nighttime Illumination: Museums and landmarks are often beautifully illuminated for this special occasion, creating a unique atmosphere.
5. Culinary Offerings: Some venues offer special food and drink options, turning the event into a cultural and gastronomic experience.

6. Special Exhibitions: Some museums may debut new exhibitions or showcase unique displays specifically for the Long Night event.

Dates and Pricing

This year’s event will be on Oktober 5, the first Saturday of the month.

Regular price :  €17 l reduced : €14 (for pupils, students, senior citizens, people with disabilities, persons in military service and Ö1 Club members). (There is an increase from last year’s €15 and €12). Regional tickets cost € 6 and entitle the holder to admission to regional museums. Free admission for children aged twelve and under, born after October 4, 2012.

Get your tickets in advance at the participating museums and cultural institutions to avoid the long lines on the day itself.

Tickets are on pre-sale until September 29, 2024, online at tickets.ORF.at, and at participating museums and cultural institutions.

You can also buy from the Vienna Sightseeing Service Center at the following address : Opernring 3-5, Top Nr. 17-24, 1010 – from 09:00 – 18:00.

Participating Museums

There are over 100 museums and galleries that take part in Long Nights of Museum along with sponsors that provide food and drinks to visitors. Here are some of the participating museums we’ve seen through the years (darker blue fonts are clickable) :

• Albertina: Known for its extensive art collection, including graphic arts, prints, and paintings from masters like Albrecht Dürer and Claude Monet.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History): One of the most prominent art museums in Vienna, housing an impressive collection of European art from various periods.
• Belvedere Palace and Museum: An exquisite Baroque palace housing an art museum with works from artists like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.
• Leopold Museum: Specializes in Austrian modern art, featuring masterpieces from the Wiener Werkstätte and Viennese Secession movements.
• Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches Museum): A fascinating museum with exhibits on minerals, fossils, dinosaurs, and other natural history wonders.
• Technical Museum Vienna (Technisches Museum Wien): Explores the history of technology and industry, with interactive exhibits on engineering and scientific advancements.
• Austrian Museum of Applied Arts (MAK – Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst): Features applied arts, design, and contemporary art from Austria and beyond.
• Jewish Museum Vienna (Jüdisches Museum Wien): A cultural institution focusing on Jewish history, art, and contemporary Jewish life.
• Hofburg Palace: The former imperial palace of the Habsburgs, housing various museums, including the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.
• Vienna Museum (Wien Museum): Covers Vienna’s history and culture, featuring exhibits on the city’s development over the centuries.

• Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper): While not a museum, the Vienna State Opera sometimes participates in the Long Night of Museums, offering backstage tours and insights into opera productions.

Get your tickets for the “Long Nights of Museums” – it can be an exciting and enriching experience, as it allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage and artistic offerings in a different and captivating way. It’s an opportunity to see museums in a new light and appreciate the diverse range of art and history they house.