- Discovering Vienna’s MAK – Museum of Applied Arts with a Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Key Points
- The MAK Museum – A Closer Look
- What’s Inside the Museum
- The Experience of Visiting
- What to Expect at the Exhibits
- Visitor Experience: What Folks Are Saying
- Practical Details You Need to Know
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- More Museum Experiences in Vienna
- More Tickets in Vienna
- More Tour Reviews in Vienna
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Vienna we have reviewed
Discovering Vienna’s MAK – Museum of Applied Arts with a Skip-the-Line Ticket
If you’re planning a trip to Vienna and have a keen interest in design, architecture, and applied arts, the MAK—Austrian Museum of Applied Arts—is a stop you won’t want to miss. This museum offers a compelling glimpse into centuries of creative work, from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces, all housed in a beautifully modern building.
Our review is based on a variety of visitor experiences and highlights what makes this museum worth your time—and what to keep in mind before you go.
Excellent restaurant. An amazing and wondrous space. Make lots of time to spend there! One of the best museums in Vienna.
Restaurant was good, some exhibits were interesting, others disappointing. The Mobelmuseum was much better.
Such a variety of design, old and new fascinating and informative and housed in such a wonderful space
What we genuinely appreciate about this experience is how the MAK combines historical artifacts with cutting-edge design in one space. The skip-the-line ticket makes getting in smooth and efficient, especially during busy periods.
Plus, the permanent collection showcases some rare and fascinating pieces from Vienna’s famous 1900 era, which is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s artistic history.
On the flip side, a possible downside is that if you’re not particularly into design or the applied arts, some exhibits might feel a little niche. Also, while the ticket price of around $19.16 is reasonable, it’s worth noting that food, drinks, or any extra amenities aren’t included, so plan accordingly if you want a full experience.
This tour suits art lovers, history buffs, or anyone curious about Vienna’s innovative design scene. If you’re looking for a cultural experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and modern creativity, the MAK offers a solid choice. It’s particularly good if you prefer to skip long lines and maximize your museum time with a well-organized visit.
Key Points
- Skip the lines with pre-booked tickets, saving you time during busy hours.
- Diverse collection spanning from the Middle Ages to today, with a special focus on Vienna 1900.
- Free extras such as digital guides, cloakroom, Wi-Fi, and free entry for those under 19.
- One to two hours is enough to see the main exhibits—great for fitting into a busy itinerary.
- Innovative space housed in a modern building, making the experience visually appealing.
- Accessible and near public transportation, making it easy to reach and navigate.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Vienna
The MAK Museum – A Closer Look
What’s Inside the Museum
As we understand from visitors and the information, the MAK’s permanent collection features “crowning moments in the history of applied arts”—covering everything from medieval craftsmanship to modern design. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, emphasizing both art historical significance and the social context of each period.
Particularly, the Vienna 1900 section is often highlighted as a highlight, showcasing roughly 500 items that illustrate the city’s vibrant arts scene at the turn of the century. Here, you’ll see furniture, jewelry, textiles, and more, all reflecting the bold, modern spirit that Vienna was famous for.
The MAK was not crowded on the day that we visited (April 25) so we probably could have skipped the "skip the line" tickets which we purchased but they guaranteed our visit and made our entrance effortless. The MAK was a very different museum after the many we visited and would not be at the top of our list. However, the building itself that housed the collection was gorgeous and the Klimpt works of art (which were on permanent display) were well worth the visit.
One reviewer commented, “Le bâtiment lui même vaut la visite,” emphasizing that the building itself is a work of art and worth seeing.
The Experience of Visiting
Booking your tickets in advance is a smart move, especially if you want to avoid lines. The "skip-the-line" feature guarantees smooth entry, which many visitors find helpful, especially during peak times. The museum’s opening hours from 10 am to 9 pm on Tuesdays give you plenty of flexibility to plan your visit.
Once inside, you'll find that the MAK is not just about seeing objects—it's about engaging with design as a living, breathing part of history. The space is described as "wonderful" and "fascinating" by visitors, with some noting that the exhibits are "very different" from traditional art museums, focusing instead on design, architecture, and applied arts.
What to Expect at the Exhibits
The permanent collection offers a broad overview, but the temporary exhibitions are often equally engaging and showcase contemporary design innovations. Visitors consistently mention how fascinating and informative the displays are, with some saying they could easily spend more than a couple of hours exploring the space.
One reviewer highlighted the "variety of design, old and new," emphasizing that the exhibits are housed in a "wonderful space"—an important note for those who appreciate the aesthetics of the environment as well as the objects themselves.
You can also read our reviews of more museum experiences in Vienna
Visitor Experience: What Folks Are Saying
The reviews give a pretty good sense of what to expect. A few highlights:
- “An amazing and wondrous space,” says one visitor, urging others to "make lots of time to spend there."
- Another pointed out that "most travelers can participate," emphasizing the accessibility of the experience.
- While some found certain exhibits less interesting, overall, visitors praise the museum for its "brilliant" range of design and craftsmanship.
Practical Details You Need to Know
Price: At about $19.16, the ticket offers good value considering it grants access to both permanent and temporary collections plus extras like Wi-Fi and digital guides. If you're an art or design enthusiast, this is a reasonable investment for a rich experience.
Duration: Expect to spend roughly 1 to 2 hours here—enough time to see the main exhibits without feeling rushed.
Accessibility: The museum is near public transportation, making it easy to include in your Vienna itinerary. It also provides free Wi-Fi and cloakroom facilities, adding to the convenience.
Family-Friendly?: While children under 19 get free entry, this is primarily a cultural and design-focused museum. It’s suitable for families with older kids interested in arts and design rather than very young children.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate art, design, or architecture and want a deeper understanding of Vienna’s cultural revolution around 1900. It’s perfect if you prefer to avoid crowded spaces, thanks to the skip-the-line tickets, and enjoy exploring modern museum spaces. Art lovers keen on seeing rare artifacts and contemporary works alike will find plenty to enjoy.
If you’re someone who likes engaging with exhibits at your own pace, this museum provides a relaxed but enriching environment. The focus on applied arts makes it especially valuable for those interested in craftsmanship, design history, or architecture.
The Sum Up
Visiting the MAK with a pre-purchased ticket offers a balanced mix of accessibility, history, and modern design. It’s especially well-suited for art and design enthusiasts who want to explore Vienna’s creative pulse without the hassle of long lines. The museum's collection, from medieval craftsmanship to contemporary art, provides a broad spectrum of visual stories that will appeal to curious minds.
While it’s not a traditional art museum focusing solely on paintings or sculptures, the MAK celebrates the beauty and innovation in applied arts, making it a refreshing change of pace. The building itself is part of the experience, with many visitors noting it as a visual highlight.
In terms of value, the ticket price and additional free amenities make this a worthwhile addition to your Vienna trip, especially if you’re keen to maximize your time and skip the crowds. Be prepared for a space that’s as much about design as it is about history, and you'll likely leave inspired.
MAK – Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna, Ticket
"Excellent restaurant. An amazing and wondrous space. Make lots of time to spend there! One of the best museums in Vienna."
FAQ
Is the ticket valid for both permanent and temporary exhibits?
Yes, your ticket grants access to the entire collection, including temporary exhibitions.
Can I skip the line with this ticket?
Absolutely. The ticket includes a "skip-the-line" feature, helping you avoid long waits.
Are children allowed free entry?
Yes, children and teens under 19 can enter for free.
What are the opening hours?
The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Tuesdays and during other listed days in 2025.
Does the ticket include extras like Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi, a digital MAK guide, and cloakroom services are included.
Is this experience suitable for people with mobility issues?
While specific details aren’t provided, the museum’s accessibility features aren’t explicitly mentioned, but most visitors find it manageable.
What is the average duration for a visit?
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits.
Where do I pick up my tickets?
Your tickets will be held at the MAK for collection on the day of your visit.
If you love design, history, or just want an engaging cultural experience in Vienna, the MAK is a thoughtful choice. It offers a well-rounded view of applied arts, housed in a stunning space, with the convenience of skipping lines. Just be ready to enjoy a space that’s as much about craftsmanship as it is about cutting-edge creativity.
