Vienna International Culture Guide

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

Official State Visit of the King and Queen of Spain to Austria

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain were in Austria on an official state visit. The royal couple was received by President Van der Bellen at the Hofburg in Vienna. Read about their visit and the opening of the new Salvador Dali exhibition at Belvedere.

February 1, 2022

Vienna: Immigrating Foreigners Boost EU's Fifth Largest City

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Vienna's population grew again in 2021. Read why immigration was critical for Vienna to continue its growth and what the forecast is for the future.

January 31, 2022

Expo 2020 Dubai: Austria's Youth Showcase Their Innovation

The four teams that won Austria's "Innovative Youth" competition will get to showcase their projects at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. Read about the competition and what the winning projects were.

January 27, 2022

Miss Saigon Finally Comes to Vienna - The Tragic Tale of a Doomed Asian-Western Romance

Miss Saigon - the most moving love story of our time, and a global smash hit production, tells the tragic tale of a doomed romance involving an Asian woman abandoned by her American lover. After several postponements, the successful musical "Miss Saigon" has premiered at the Raimund Theater in Vienna and can now be watched.

January 24, 2022 · Updated: January 24, 2022; 13:56

Vienna - Perhaps the Best Place to Go in 2022

Vienna was ranked one of the top travel destinations for 2022 by multiple international media outlets. Read more about this positive development for Vienna's tourism industry.

January 19, 2022

Russian Diplomatic Representatives in Vienna Commemorated the Day of the Unknown Soldier

Wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to the Soviet soldier at the Aspern cemetery in Vienna coincided with the Russian Day of the Unknown Soldier, annually celebrated in Russia in memory of Russian and Soviet soldiers who died in hostilities.

January 13, 2022

Russian Cultural Diplomacy: 130 Years of Moscow in Vienna

Russian Ambassador to Austria Dmitrij Ljubinskij recently held an event to present a new book on the Russian Embassy in Vienna entitled "Moscow in Vienna: The Palais Nassau - Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Austria." Read about the event and the new book.

January 11, 2022

State of Qatar Celebrates Its Annual National Day

Qatar National Day, also known as the Founder's Day, is celebrated annually on December 18 to commemorate the country's unification in 1878 and marks the day that Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani succeeded his father as leader of the tribes of Qatar.

December 17, 2021

Jewish Museum Vienna Opens "The Viennese Rothschilds. A Thriller"

The Jewish Museum Vienna has opened a new exhibition entitled "The Viennese Rothschilds. A thriller," which covers the history of the Rothschild family in Austria. Learn more about the new exhibit and see some pictures from inside.

December 17, 2021

"Golden Sunday" Returns: Austrian Non-Food Retailers Allowed to Remain Open on December 19

In an attempt to recoup some of the billions of euros retailers lost out on due to the lockdown in the middle of the holiday season, the Austrian government has announced that non-food retailers will be allowed to remain open on Sunday, December 19 for what is known as "Golden Sunday." Learn which stores the exception applies to and when you can do some last-minute Christmas shopping on Sunday.

December 17, 2021

Expats Rank Vienna Last in Terms of "Local Friendliness"

The results of the "Expat Insider 2021" survey are in, and Vienna earned the top spot in quality of life but took last place in terms of the friendliness of the people. Read why Vienna simultaneously ranked so high and so low.

December 16, 2021

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Iranian Embassy Building in Vienna

The Palais Sigray St. Marsan, which houses the Iranian Embassy in Vienna, has a fascinating history dating back to the late 19th century. Learn more about this historical building.

December 14, 2021

Vienna Opera Ball 2022: Canceled Twice in a Row

The Austrian government has announced that the 2022 Vienna Opera Ball has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. However, the Viennese Opera Ball in New York City is still scheduled to take place. Read more about the two popular events.

December 9, 2021

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the British Embassy Building in Vienna

The British Embassy building in Vienna has a rich history stretching back to the late 19th century. Read the captivating story of this beautiful building.

December 3, 2021

Vienna Ranked Fourteenth Most Expensive City in the World

While Tel Aviv is the most expensive city in the world and tops the Cost of Living Index 2021, Paris and Singapore are tied for second, followed by Zurich and Hong Kong in fourth and fifth place, respectively. Vienna comes in fourteenth place after Tokyo and jointly with Sydney. Damascus, Syria, was named the world’s cheapest city. See the full list of the world's most expensive cities to live in 2021.

December 1, 2021

Verdi's Nabucco to Be Performed at the "Oper im Steinbruch" in Summer 2022

The popular opera "Nabucco" will be returning to "Oper im Steinbruch" in the Summer of 2022. Learn more about the upcoming opera and how to reserve your tickets.

November 26, 2021

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the America House in Vienna

The America House in Vienna is a beautiful mix of architecture and history. Learn more about the exquisite building at Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 2 and the historical America House inside.

November 26, 2021

Salzburg Festival: Kristina Hammer Appointed New Festival President

The Swiss-Austrian marketing professional Kristina Hammer will be the new president of the Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele), taking over from long-term president Helga Rabl-Stadler.

November 25, 2021

Crowdfunding Campaign of the Austrian National Library Exceeds Expectations

The campaign is aimed at the supply, restoration and long-term preservation of large-format illustrated volumes from the 18th and 19th centuries.

November 24, 2021

Prostitution in Austria Prohibited Again: Here Are the Updated COVID-19 Rules

With the "Fourth Lockdown" in Austria, which came into effect on November 22, 2021, all prostitution establishments (prostitution bars, brothels and running houses) were again shut down officially and by law. Here are the updated COVID-19 rules for sex workers and their clients in detail.

November 8, 2021 · Updated: November 23, 2021; 12:30

Vienna's Christmas Markets Get You in the Mood for Christmas

Vienna's famous Christmas markets are opening again, and they are the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit. Learn about some of the numerous Christmas markets and what they have to offer.

November 19, 2021

OeAD: International Agency for Education and Networking Turns 60 Years Old

The Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalization (OeAD) has celebrated its 60th anniversary. Learn about the OeAD and some of its numerous programs, and watch a video with President Van der Bellen.

November 19, 2021

The Christmas Season Has Come to Vienna: The 2021 Christ Child and Heart Tree

Two popular Viennese Christmas traditions converged when Mayor Ludwig introduced the 2021 Christkindl (Christ Child) in front of the Viennese Heart tree in Vienna's City Hall Park. Read more about this year's Christkindl.

November 17, 2021

Nightjet: Connecting the City of Music with the City of Love

Austrian Railways (ÖBB) is offering a new Nightjet connection from Vienna to Paris from December 13, 2021. Learn more about this new offer.

November 16, 2021

Migration: Expansion of Value and Orientation Courses for Asylum Seekers Planned

Integration Minister Susanne Raab announced that the mandatory values and orientation courses for asylum seekers will be expanded to include three days of lessons rather than just one. Read more about the expansion of the program and what will be taught.

November 12, 2021

Expo Dubai: Viennese Coffeehouse is Culinary Ambassador

The Viennese coffeehouse, Austrian Delight, is serving as the culinary ambassador for Austria at the World Expo in Dubai. Read about how the cafe is representing Austria and what else Vienna is offering at the World Expo.

November 11, 2021

New Shoah Name Walls Memorial in Vienna: 64,440 Names Commemorate Humanity's Atrocity

The Austrian government unveiled the new Shoah Wall of Names Memorial on the 83rd anniversary of the November pogroms. Chancellor Schallenberg, EU Minister Edtstadler, and others spoke at the event. Read about the new memorial, what the leaders said at its opening, and watch a video of the event.

November 10, 2021

November Pogroms: Remembrance Event of the Turkish-Jewish Synagogue in Zirkusgasse

Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig, representatives from the religious communities in Vienna, and others took part in a remembrance event for the November pogroms at the location of one of the synagogues that was burned down in 1938. Read more about the solemn event and what Mayor Ludwig said.

November 10, 2021

Hedy Lamarr Award 2021 for Outstanding Achievements by Women in Information Technology

The City of Vienna announced the winner of the 2021 Hedy Lamarr Award for outstanding achievements by women in information technology. Find out who won this year for her work on innovative learning methods and immersive experiences.

October 25, 2021

The Virtual Open Day at the Austrian Parliament

The Austrian Parliament Open Day will take place virtually on the upcoming Austrian National Day. Read about the event, how to participate in it, and what National Council President Sobotka said about it.

October 21, 2021

The 80s Are Back: Albertina Modern Shows "Art of the Eighties"

The Albertina Modern has a new exhibition on display entitled "The 80s. Art of the Eighties." The exhibition has many works from some of the most notable artists of the 1980s. Read about the exhibition and view some examples of works currently on display.

October 21, 2021

Colonial Legacy: Restitution of Cultural Assets as Part of Austria's New Africa Strategy

The Austrian Foreign Ministry under Michael Linhart is developing a new Africa strategy for Austria. A motion for a resolution has been filed in parliament that requests that the foreign ministry includes restitution of cultural artifacts and assets as part of this strategy. Read more about the motion.

October 20, 2021

Opening of the Memorial Exhibition "80 Years of Deportations Vienna-Riga"

Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig recently opened a new memorial exhibition entitled "80 Years of Deportations Vienna-Riga" at Vienna's central train station. The exhibition is intended to remind the public about the horrors of the Shoah and to commemorate the victims. Learn more about the new exhibition.

October 19, 2021

Fundraising Soirée for Descendants of the Author of the 1920 Austrian Constitution

The Jewish Museum Vienna held a fundraiser for the descendants of the author of the 1920 Austrian Constitution, Hans Kelsen. Prominent guests attended and spoke at the event, including a former chancellor and Kelsen's granddaughter. Read about the event and the exhibition being displayed to honor Mr. Kelsen's legacy.

October 15, 2021

Vienna's Praterstern to Be Transformed into a Greened and Cooled Lounge Oasis

Vienna's Praterstern is beginning its transformation into a greened and cooled lounge oasis and should be finished by the summer of 2022. Read about the specifics of the revitalization of Praterstern and view some projections of what the area will look like once it is complete.

October 14, 2021

Messe Wien Celebrates 100 Years

Messe Wien, the largest trade fair in Vienna, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this fall. To celebrate the occasion, Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig attended a presentation of a new book that details the one-hundred-year history of the Messe Wien. Read about the new book and the significance of Messe Wien.

October 13, 2021

Heidi Horten: Austria's Richest Woman Sells Luxury Yacht for 160 Million Euros

Heidi Goëss-Horten, the richest Austrian woman, is selling her luxury yacht, the Carinthia VII, for an astonishing 160 million euros. Read about Ms. Goëss-Horten's "dream ship" and why she has finally decided to sell it.

October 12, 2021

Gartenbaukino: Reopening of the Iconic Viennese Cinema

The Gartenbaukino in Vienna is finally reopening after being closed for nearly a year and undergoing roughly seven months of renovation. Read about the renovation of this iconic Viennese cinema and look at some of the upcoming events from its program for 2021/2022.

October 12, 2021

Antisemitic Vandalism at Auschwitz-Birkenau Highlights Alarming Trend

One day after an Austrian delegation, including President Van der Bellen, Foreign Minister Schallenberg, and EU Minister Edtstadler spoke at the opening of the new Austrian exhibition at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, the museum reported antisemitic vandalism at the camp. The shocking incident underscores a larger trend of antisemitism in Europe and around the world. Read more about the incident, the trend of antisemitism, and what is being done to combat it.

October 7, 2021

Austrian-Japanese Society Hosts the 5th Japanese Film Days in Vienna

After being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Austrian-Japanese Society (ÖJG) will host the fifth "Japannual" Japanese Film Days in Vienna at the Film Casino in Margareten. With over 20 films included this year, the festival brings a broad overview of current film events in Japan to Vienna. Read more about the festival, some of the movies included this year, and how to get tickets.

October 5, 2021

Modigliani in Vienna on the 100th Anniversary of his Death

To mark the 100th anniversary of Amedeo Modigliani’s death, the Albertina Museum in Vienna is honoring him with an exhibition including around 130 works. The exhibition includes works from three continents and some pieces from his counterparts, including Pablo Picasso. Read more about the new exhibition, learn about Modigliani, and view some examples of the works that are now on display.

October 5, 2021

Auschwitz-Birkenau: Austrian Delegation to Visit Largest Mass Murder Site in Human History

At the invitation of the Director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum Piotr M.A. Cywiński and Austrian National Council President Sobotka, an Austrian delegation including President Van der Bellen and Foreign Minister Schallenberg will attend the opening of the new Austrian national exhibition "Distance - Austria and Auschwitz" in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum at the former Nazi concentration camp. Read more about the important new exhibition, who will be attending the opening, and the schedule for the rest of the president's trip to Poland.

October 4, 2021

American Photography at the Albertina: Trevor Traina Back in Vienna

Former U.S. Ambassador to Austria Trevor Traina was at the opening of the new exhibition "American Photography" at the Albertina Museum in Vienna. Mr. Traina holds one of the largest private collections of photographs in the world, and he loaned some of these pieces to the Albertina for the exhibition. "American Photography" includes photographs from 1945 to the present and focuses on everyday motifs that had previously been considered unworthy of portrayal. Read more about the exhibition and view a selection of photographs included in the exhibit.

September 22, 2021

International Luxury Travelers to Visit Vienna

The Vienna Tourist Board (WienTourismus) is targeting international luxury travelers in a fall advertising campaign across Europe and the USA in an attempt to boost Vienna's tourism industry. This campaign will include advertising for culinary events in Vienna like "Feed Your Soul," it will market Vienna as a destination for business meetings, and it will target Ultra High Net Worth Individuals. Read more about Vienna's various offers aimed at international luxury travelers.

September 22, 2021

Jewish Museum Vienna: Restitution to Ephrussi Family after Decades

The Jewish Museum Vienna has restituted the Franz Adam painting “Camp Scene from 1848 in Italy” to the Ephrussi family. Following the authorization by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, ownership of the painting was returned to the heirs of Viktor Ephrussi. The painting was in the Museum of Military History in Vienna after being confiscated from Viktor Ephrussi by the Nazis. Read more about the painting's history and its restitution to the Ephrussi family.

September 14, 2021

Jewish Museum Vienna: Barbara Staudinger to Succeed Danielle Spera After 12 Years

Dr. Barbara Staudinger has been unanimously selected to succeed Dr. Danielle Spera as the managing director of the Jewish Museum Vienna. Dr. Spera has served as the director of the museum since 2010, and her contract will expire in June 2022. Read more about Dr. Staudinger and some of the responses to her selection.

September 13, 2021

Foreign Culture is Central Element of Austrian Diplomatic Soft Power

At the International Culture Conference 2021, Foreign Minister Schallenberg spoke about the importance of foreign culture as an instrument of soft power and diplomacy. He also highlighted some of the various new initiatives and programs to promote foreign culture, such as the "International Music Dialogues," the “On the road again” initiative for visual artists, “Repair of the Future - the Global Casting of Tomorrow,” and more.

September 10, 2021

Number of Anti-Semitism Incidents in Austria Doubled

The Anti-Semitism Reporting Office of the Jewish Community Vienna (IKG) presented its semi-annual report for the first half of 2021. The report showed that the number of incidents had doubled from the same period of the previous year. It attributed the increase mainly to Israel-related anti-Semitism and anti-Semitism surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 3, 2021

40 Years After Terror Attack on City Temple in Vienna - Commemoration of Victims and Heroes

On August 29, 1981, the synagogue in Vienna (City Prayer House - Stadttempel) was shaken by a terrorist attack. It was the bloodiest attack on Jewish life in Austria after World War II. Two Palestinian terrorists killed two people in the attack, and 21 were injured, some seriously.

August 31, 2021

Vienna Danube Tower: Dining Pleasure at a Height of 170 Meters

The Vienna Danube Tower (Wiener Donauturm) offers various packages for enjoying a panoramic view of Vienna at 170 meters high. The tower cafe and tower restaurant offer three-course menus, romantic dinners, brunch buffets, birthday parties, and more. Read more about the various dining options at the top of the Danube Tower.

August 24, 2021 · Sponsored Content