For music lovers and performers – well, any visitor – Vienna can be overwhelming. Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn flourished in the city making it a haven for classical music enthusiasts. To help guide you, we’ve launched a series featuring some of our top spots to play and rehearse. Read on to learn about our favorite venues featuring concert halls (plus, lecture rooms and more) that let you experience Vienna’s rich history and that you can book in real life.
1. Night Time in Vienna: Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) Säulenhalle
The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) — “Museum für angewandte Kunst” in German — houses Säulenhalle, a concert hall known for its enchanting nighttime experience.
Literally translated as “Column Hall,” Säulenhalle’s grand architecture illuminates after sunset. Its exhibitions and innovative art installations are designed to be interactive and engaging – these multimedia elements are particularly striking at night. Added nocturnal bonus? Minus MAK’s daytime crowds.
The popular museum is known for its interdisciplinary focus on the arts and ties to the city’s top native artists, including Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg.
Feel like you’re rubbing shoulders with these virtuosos and more by booking the large concert hall for nearly 500 guests or a more intimate lecture room – you won’t be dreaming.
2. House with the Best: Mozarthaus (Mozart’s House)
Although Mozart moved around a lot within Vienna, many consider Mozarthaus — “Mozart’s House” in German – his most important residence. Now a museum, the apartment is where Mozart composed "The Marriage of Figaro" and many other piano concertos, symphonies, and chamber music such as string quartets and quintets.
Built in 1707, the building reflects baroque architectural style and offers a glimpse into the life of Mozart during his peak creative years from 1784 to 1787.
The main concert hall on the B1 floor features a beautiful grand piano that you can play to be like Mozart today.
3. Gain Meaning with Minoriten Church (Minoritenkirche)
The Minoriten Church — Minoritenkirche in German — has a bit of an unorthodox history. Built by Minorite Friars, its foundations were laid in 1267, but it didn’t open its doors until 1350, towards the end of the bubonic plagues, a.k.a “black death,” one of the most famous pandemics in history.
The church houses a life-sized copy of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," on its northern wall, which was not initially meant to be. During the Napoleonic Wars, the church came under the control of French troops, and Napoleon commissioned Italian artist Giacomo Raffaelli to make the piece in 1809. It stayed unfinished and in its initial locale upon Napoleon’s abdication.
Today, the holy venue showcases Gothic architecture and has been a site of numerous historical events, including royal weddings and significant political gatherings. Equipped with an organ, grand piano, and harpsichord, it hosts up to 500 people for concerts and other events.
Harken back to medieval times by booking the venue for your next concert.
Find a Few More of our Favorites
These are just a few of our favorite concert halls in Vienna. For more, search Vienna with Music Traveler, and let your cultural, musical experience begin.
Visiting Vienna and interested in independent music? Discover Vienna's independent music hotspots here.