Vienna’s Modern Art Scene: Offbeat Galleries in Unexpected Places

Vienna's art scene has always been cutting edge, pushing boundaries and challenging accepted norms. In 1897, the Vienna Secession art movement, led by Gustav Klimt, broke away from the mainstream. The impact of this radical movement is still evident today: If you're looking for thought-provoking installations, experimental exhibits or quirky art spaces, you'll find them here. Check out our guide to must-visit places that capture the essence of Vienna's modern art scene – all easily accessible from the centrally located Hotel Mercure Wien Zentrum.

Love contemporary art that's all about sparking ideas and conversations? Then the Kunsthalle Wien is the place to be. Places, actually, since it has two locations: one in the Museumsquartier and the other in a glass pavilion on Karlsplatz, very much an artwork in itself. Unlike most museums, the Kunsthalle doesn't have its own collection but focuses on organising solo and thematic exhibitions by commissioning and partnering with artists from around the globe. It doesn't just present contemporary art, it also invites you to reflect on the relations between art and social change.

• Addresses: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna and Treilstraße 2, 1040 Vienna
• Open: 10am-6pm (Tuesday-Sunday) and 10am-8pm (Thursday)
• Tickets: €8

What does bread have to do with art? Not much, unless you turn a bread factory (Brotfabrik) into a cultural and artistic hub. Once Europe's largest bakery, the factory has been reimagined into a space where art, culture and community come together. In 18 spaces spread over three floors, the Brotfabrik hosts art galleries as well as venues for theatre, dance and music performances. We recommend stopping by at their ground-floor café, magdas KANTINE, a social enterprise offering a daily lunch menu and delicious snacks.

• Absberggasse 27, 1100 Vienna

Perhaps you've just visited the Wien Museum, dedicated to the city's history, and feel like experiencing a very different type of art museum. You're in luck because Galerie Kandlhofer, only a three-minute walk away, will give you the chance to do just that. Named after its owner, Lisa Kandlhofer, this gallery represents young Austrian and international artists with a focus on performance and interdisciplinary art. You'll find everything from painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, installations to contemporary video works. Diversity and creativity thrive here, and it's a great meeting place to make connections with fellow art aficionados.

• Brucknerstrasse 4, 1040 Vienna
• Open 11am-6pm (Tuesday-Friday) and 11am-4pm (Saturday)
• Free to enter

The German acronym KÖR stands for "Art in Public Space". If you're curious about how art can transform a city, look no further. For the past 20 years, KÖR has been redefining Vienna's public spaces with artistic projects that are a lot more than just decorative pieces. They challenge perspectives and bring creativity to corners of the city where you least expect it. Look out for permanent works like Be a Mensch, a colourful street art mural appealing for diversity and inclusion, as well as The Lost Garden in Meidling railway station, an imagined depiction of a nearby park beloved by Vienna residents including composer Beethoven. There are also temporary exhibitions and performances across the city. Pretty much anything goes as long as it's about making art accessible to everyone in public spaces. And KÖR wants to involve you, too: don't just look at art, experience it.

• Be a Mensch: Laxenburger Straße 4/4A, 1100 Vienna

The city of Vienna is a living museum, so what better way to immerse yourself in it than by exploring it on foot? One of the city's most established operators is Prime Tours, who offer a free walking tour that introduces you to Vienna's graffiti culture. It's a guided tour where you'll discover tucked-away murals you'd never stumble on alone, and hear the wild backstories behind the art. Your local guides know every hidden spot and make sure you experience Vienna at its most authentic, with no script or touristy fluff. They also offer private tours and tailored experiences – ask the staff at your Mercure hotel about arranging one or book online through their website.

Ready to see the world a little differently? You can in Vienna, where art isn't just confined to highbrow museums. Here, it's something you stumble upon, engage with and carry with you long after you've experienced it. And when it's time to sit down for a cuppa, discover our insider guide to the best Viennese cafés.