Vienna International Culture Guide

Find the best cultural and inter-cultural activities in Vienna and Austria

Austria's Wooden Ribbon: A Symbol of Innovation for the Expo 2025

Austria is preparing for Expo 2025 in Osaka and recently presented the centerpiece of its pavilion in Lower Austria: a spiral-shaped wooden loop that symbolizes the motto “Composing the Future”. This impressive sculpture stands for Austrian craftsmanship and the strong connection to Japan, which is to be further strengthened by the Expo.

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Maria Todorova and Balkan Research: “Mission Possible” in Vienna

Renowned historian Maria Todorova held a series of lectures in Vienna entitled “The Balkans: Mission Possible”, in which she presented new perspectives on the complex history and culture of the Balkans. The lectures, part of the IWM Lectures in Human Sciences, challenged common stereotypes and highlighted the region as a dynamic and culturally rich area.

October 27, 2024

Discussion on the Sobieski Monument in Vienna Continues

The discussion about a monument to King Jan III Sobieski in Vienna has picked up speed again. Since 2013, there have been calls for a monument to be erected on the Kahlenberg to the Polish king, who played a key role in saving Vienna from the Ottoman siege in 1683. Despite the failure of these efforts to date, in September 2024 the Polish embassy once again appealed to the relevant authorities to pay due tribute to this important chapter in European history.

October 21, 2024

Austria Strengthens Partnership With Yad Vashem in the Fight Against Anti-Semitism

Dani Dayan, Chairman of the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem, visited Vienna to strengthen the close partnership between Israel and Austria. Dayan met with both Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Both emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in the fight against anti-Semitism and in preserving the memory of the Shoah.

October 20, 2024

Music Giants Rock the Cineplexx Cinemas: A Trend Excites Austria

Concert films and music biographies bring the biggest stars to the big screen, creating a very special cinematic experience. Among others, Coldplay's “Moon Music” and Whitney Houston's “Durban Concert” celebrated great success. These films not only offer high-resolution picture and sound quality but also allow fans to experience their favorite artists' concerts together without the inconvenience of a live event.

October 15, 2024

Vienna: The Best City Destination in Europe for Americans

Vienna has once again proven that it is undisputed as a world-class travel destination. Readers of the renowned luxury and lifestyle magazine “Condé Nast Traveler” voted the Austrian capital the best European travel destination in this year's “Readers' Choice Awards” 2024.

October 5, 2024

Global Peace Photo Award 2024: “Dreams of Childhood” Honored as Peace Photo of the Year

The Global Peace Photo Award ceremony took place in the Austrian Parliament. The peace photo of the year 2024, “Dreams of Childhood”, by photographer and multimedia artist Elisa Iannacone from the UK, was honored.

September 24, 2024

Arab Diplomats Visit Burgenland to Promote Renewable Energies

In a major initiative to strengthen bilateral relations between Austria and the Arab world, the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) together with Energie Burgenland welcomed a high-ranking delegation of Arab ambassadors and diplomats to Burgenland. The focus of the event was on progress in the field of renewable energies and sustainable development.

September 15, 2024

Controversy Over "Mosque Education 2.0": IGGÖ Criticizes the Lack of Recognition for their Reform Efforts

The Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) has expressed strong criticism of the recent public discourse surrounding the "Mosque Education 2.0" initiative announced by the Minister of Integration, Susanne Raab.

August 28, 2024

European Forum Alpbach Enters Second Week: A Look Back and a Look Forward

The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is entering the second week of its high-caliber discussion rounds. Under the motto “Moment of Truth”, the focus is on Europe's challenges and opportunities. While the first few days of the forum have already set important accents, the coming week promises equally exciting insights and groundbreaking debates.

August 27, 2024

IGGÖ President Vural Makes Clear Position Against Extremism

In a powerful speech, Ümit Vural, President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ), called for a joint effort to combat extremism and strengthen social cohesion. In view of the increasing challenges posed by terrorist attacks, geopolitical conflicts and heated security debates in the run-up to the upcoming elections, Vural emphasized the responsibility and long-standing role of the IGGÖ as a state-recognized religious community in Austria.

August 27, 2024

Lithuanian Asmik Grigorian to be Awarded the “Grand Jury Prize” of the Austrian Music Theater Award

The Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian, one of the most outstanding personalities on the international opera scene, will receive the “Grand Jury Prize” of the Austrian Music Theater Award on September 1, 2024, at the Vienna Volksoper. This award, considered one of the most important honors in the field of opera in Austria, recognizes Grigorian's exceptional artistic achievements and her lasting influence on music theater.

August 25, 2024

Wien Museum Sheds “New Light” on the City's Islamic Heritage

In a new summer academy entitled “Islamic Heritage in Vienna”, the Wien Museum is focusing on the city's often overlooked but significant Islamic heritage.

August 22, 2024

Austria's Olympic Splendor in Paris 2024: A Balance Between Tradition and Surprises

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are history, and Austria can look back proudly on its sporting achievements. On Tuesday, the successful Olympic athletes were honored in the Vienna Hofburg by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.

August 18, 2024

Winners of the Austrian Art Prize 2024 Revealed

Andrea Mayer, State Secretary for Art and Culture, today announced the winners of the Austrian Art Prize and the Hans Hollein Art Prize for Architecture 2024. The awards, endowed with 20,000 euros each, honor outstanding personalities in the Austrian art and culture scene.

August 5, 2024

AIRPOWER24: Europe's Largest Airshow Takes Off in Zeltweg

On September 6 and 7, 2024, AIRPOWER24, Europe's largest airshow, will take place at Hinterstoisser Air Base in Zeltweg, Styria. The event is accompanied by an extensive program and offers numerous highlights for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

August 4, 2024

Simpsons Cartoon Art: Unique Exhibition at the Caricature Museum Krems

To mark the 35th anniversary of the cult series “The Simpsons”, the Caricature Museum Krems is the first in Europe to present a special exhibition entitled “Here comes Bart! Simpsons Cartoon Art from the William Heeter and Kristi Correa Collection”.

July 16, 2024

Austria Among the World Leaders in Organic Viticulture

Austria is continuing its successful course in environmentally conscious viticulture and for the first time has more than 10,000 hectares of certified organic vineyards. The 10,432 hectares now correspond to around 24% of the country's total vineyard area, making Austria one of the global leaders in organic viticulture.

July 15, 2024

Vienna Once Again Named the World's Most Liveable City

Vienna has done it again: for the third time in a row, the Austrian capital has been named the most liveable city in the world by the British "Economist" group. In the annual "Global Liveability Ranking", Vienna beat 172 other cities to take the top spot once again.

June 27, 2024

Leopold Museum Presents New Exhibition "German Expressionism"

The Leopold Museum in Vienna is opening a new focus exhibition entitled "German Expressionism". This exhibition brings together works by important artists such as Alexej von Jawlensky, Wassily Kandinsky, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Paula Modersohn-Becker, and Gabriele Münter and places them in an imaginary dialog with Austrian Expressionists.

June 26, 2024

Austria's Common Tones in Times of War and Conflict

Five musicians with Israeli, Arab, and Persian roots from Daniel Barenboim's West Eastern Divan Orchestra performed at Palais Niederösterreich, under the auspices of Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, highlighting the unifying power of music amid global crises and conflicts.

June 17, 2024

UN in Vienna to Get Monumental Mural to Promote Sustainable Development

An impressive art project will enrich the skyline of Vienna when a giant mural is created on one of the towers of the Vienna International Center (VIC). In collaboration with the Calle Libre Street Art Festival and the UN family in Vienna, the artwork aims to highlight the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping our common future.

June 5, 2024

Franco-Armenian Concert in Vienna in Honor of Charles Aznavour

On May 23, 2024, Charles Aznavour, one of the greatest icons of French chanson, would have turned 100 years old. To mark this special occasion, the French and Armenian embassies joined forces to celebrate the impressive life and work of the French-Armenian singer, songwriter, and actor at the Theater Akzent in Vienna. This concert was a tribute to an artist whose music and influence have shaped generations of fans and artists.

May 26, 2024

Concordia Ball 2024: A Celebration of Freedom of the Press

On May 24, 2024, Vienna City Hall was transformed into the venue for the 124th Concordia Ball, at which the media industry, artists, and cultural figures as well as an international ball audience set an impressive example for freedom of the press. This year, the traditional ball, organized by the Concordia Press Club, was all about free journalism and diversity of opinion.

May 26, 2024

"Mozart at the Table": New Special Exhibition at Mozarthaus Vienna

Mozarthaus Vienna presents the special exhibition "Mozart at the Table" from May 24, 2024. This unique show offers fascinating insights into Mozart's private life and culinary experiences.

May 24, 2024

Remembering the Past, Preserving the Future: Liberation Ceremonies in Mauthausen and Melk

In an impressive gathering, thousands of people commemorated the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp and its satellite camps to keep the lessons of history alive and fight against forgetting. International delegations, including high-ranking representatives from politics and society, gathered to underline the importance of law and justice and to honor the victims of National Socialism.

May 8, 2024

20 Years of EU Enlargement: Austria Looks at the Success Story of European Integration

Exactly 20 years ago, on May 1, 2004, a historic enlargement of the European Union came into force. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Cyprus became member states, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Europe. This fifth round of enlargement marked a milestone for the countries involved and a significant change for Austria, as Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Austrian Society for European Politics emphasize.

May 5, 2024

Influential Voice in Culture and Politics: Nina Khrushcheva at the Salzburg Festival

Nina Khrushcheva, an outstanding academic, great-granddaughter of the famous Soviet Communist Party leader Nikita Khrushchev, and fierce critic of the current Russian government, will take to the podium at this year's Salzburg Festival with an opening speech that has already caused a sensation in the run-up to the festival. This event not only marks a cultural highlight of the year but also a moment of profound reflection on the role of art in turbulent times.

April 3, 2024

Francophonie Forum in Vienna: A Bridge Between Culture, Business and Sport

An event took place in Vienna that underlined the cultural and economic importance of the Francophonie. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), in close cooperation with the French Embassy in Austria and the French-Austrian Chamber of Commerce (CCFA), organized the forum "L'industrie du sport parle français" ("The sports industry speaks French").

March 21, 2024

Harmony and Dialogue at the Interreligious Iftar in Vienna

In an impressive demonstration of unity, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and the President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ), Ümit Vural, hosted an unprecedented interfaith iftar. The event, which took place in the historic Palais Niederösterreich, brought together representatives of different religious communities and personalities from politics, science, and diplomacy.

March 20, 2024

Controversy Over FPÖ Candidacy for Yad Vashem Board Shakes Jewish Communities

The nomination of Wels Mayor Andreas Rabl of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) for a position on the board of the "Austrian Friends of Yad Vashem" has triggered a broad wave of outrage and criticism that reaches far beyond Austria's borders. Rabl's candidacy, known for his affiliation with a party that is often criticized for its extreme right-wing tendencies, was met with staunch opposition from renowned institutions and personalities.

February 22, 2024

Austria and USA Launch New Exchange Program for Young Professionals and Students

In a new step to deepen transatlantic relations, Austria and the United States have launched a new Working Holiday Program (WHP) that offers young people from both nations the opportunity to experience each other's culture, everyday life, and the working world.

February 21, 2024

Vienna Selected as European Capital of Democracy 2024/25

Vienna, the Austrian capital, will hold the prestigious title of "European Capital of Democracy" for one year from October 2024. This award follows a decision by a Europe-wide online vote, in which Vienna prevailed against cities such as Bratislava, Leipzig, Gdansk, and Izmir. The awarding of the title, which was previously held by Barcelona, was initiated by the non-profit organization European Capital of Democracy.

February 20, 2024

"Shaping Europe together": EBÖ Launches Second Workshop in the Run-Up to the 2024 EU Elections

The European Movement Austria (EBÖ) is intensifying its efforts to actively involve companies and associations in shaping the future of Europe. Under the motto "Shaping Europe together", the second workshop in this series will take place on March 18, 2024, at the House of the European Union in Vienna. The aim is to give participants a comprehensive insight into EU policy and enable them to play a greater role.

February 20, 2024

Michelin Guide Puts Austria's Cuisine Back on the Map

The MICHELIN Guide, one of the world's most renowned institutions for restaurant ratings, has announced that it will once again publish an Austria-wide selection of top restaurants from 2025.

February 15, 2024

Austrian President Van der Bellen Visits Pioneering Integration Project "NACHBARINNEN in Vienna"

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of integration and empowerment during his visit to the sewing workshop of the "NACHBARINNEN in Wien" association. The association, known for its successful work with migrant women, relies on the principle of self-empowerment and role models from their own culture to bring women and families with a migration background out of isolation.

February 7, 2024

Order of Malta Strengthens Diplomacy for Humanitarian Aid

A major international conference in Rome, attended by the Sovereign Order of Malta's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria, H.E. DI Sebastian Prince von Schoenaich-Carolath, has strengthened the role of the Order of Malta's diplomatic service in the international community. The event included an audience with Pope Francis and provided a platform for exchange on ways to intensify international cooperation.

February 6, 2024

Africa Day 2024: Austria Looks to Africa's Future Markets

This year's Africa Day was all about Africa's future markets and offered a platform to strengthen economic relations between Austrian and African companies. Organized by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), the event attracted more than 1,200 participants from Austria, over 30 African countries, and guests from Europe, Asia, and the USA.

February 5, 2024

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Thanks Descendants of Nazi Expellees for Regaining Austrian Citizenship

Together with the President of the Jewish Community Vienna, Oskar Deutsch, the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg presented the new publication "Wir und Österreich - Austria and us". This moving publication tells the stories of 15 descendants of victims of National Socialism who share their memories, feelings, hopes, and expectations in connection with regaining Austrian citizenship.

February 4, 2024

Austria United in Remembrance: Joint Remembrance on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

In an impressive sign of solidarity and remembrance, representatives of the Jewish Community, Roma, Austria's political leaders, and members of the democratic opposition came together in Vienna to commemorate the millions of victims of the Shoah.

January 30, 2024

Saudi Arabia Allows Alcohol Sales to Foreign Diplomats for the First Time

In a significant change to its long-standing policy, Saudi Arabia has decided to allow the public sale of alcohol to "non-Muslim diplomats". This marks a historic departure from the country's strict alcohol ban.

January 25, 2024

International Flair at the 75th Officers' Ball in Vienna

The Officers' Ball in Vienna attracted not only local guests but also an impressive number of international guests, underlining the importance of the event in the diplomatic calendar.

January 24, 2024

"Africa! Africa!" Enchants Vienna with a Spectacular Show

"Africa! Africa!" has now also captivated audiences in Vienna after its impressive success in several Austrian cities. The premiere, which took place on January 19, 2024, in the St. Marx circus tent, was a feast for the senses and cultures that delighted the guests of honor and spectators alike.

January 22, 2024

Intercultural Achievement Award 2024 of the Austrian Foreign Ministry

The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs invites organizations from Austria and abroad to apply for the Intercultural Achievement Award 2024. This prestigious award, now in its eleventh year, recognizes outstanding intercultural and interreligious projects that contribute to global dialogue and mutual understanding. The deadline for project proposals is March 17, 2024.

January 18, 2024

Jonas Kaufmann and Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauss Awarded the French Legion of Honor

The awards of the French Legion of Honor to Jonas Kaufmann and Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauss underline the importance of their artistic and business activities. Kaufmann's contribution to the world of opera and music and Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauss' successful management of an international technology group as well as her social commitment reflect France's appreciation of outstanding achievements in culture and business.

January 18, 2024

DHK New Year's Reception 2024: Business and Politics in Dialog

The traditional New Year's reception of the German Chamber of Commerce in Austria (DHK) took place in Graz, set against the historic backdrop of the auditorium of the Old University.

January 17, 2024

25th Savaball: A Celebration of Serbian Culture at the Vienna Hofburg

The 25th anniversary of the Savaball at the Vienna Hofburg will be a great celebration of Serbian culture and tradition. With high-caliber guests from politics and show business, international artists, and a social commitment, the ball promises to be a great celebration of Serbian culture and tradition.

January 17, 2024

Austria's Graz Supports Lviv in Building an Artistic Library

In a remarkable gesture of cultural cooperation, the Austrian city of Graz has agreed to support the Ukrainian city of Lviv in the construction of a new Artistic Library. This decision strengthens the already existing historical ties between the two cities and marks an important step in their cultural cooperation.

January 16, 2024

60 Years of the Documentation Archive of Austrian Resistance

The Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance (DÖW), an important institution in the reappraisal of Austria's Nazi past, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1963 by former resistance fighters and victims of Nazi persecution as well as committed academics, the DÖW has played a central role in researching and communicating the history of resistance against the Nazi regime.

January 15, 2024

French-Austrian Cultural Exchange: Costa-Gavras Honors Vienna with an Inspiring Visit

Vienna was enriched by a visit from the renowned Franco-Greek director Costa-Gavras. Accompanied by his wife Michèle, the award-winning cineaste enjoyed a day full of cultural highlights in the Austrian capital. The visit concluded with a meeting between Costa-Gavras and leading representatives of the Austrian film at the French Embassy.

December 27, 2023