Artothek

Since the establishment of the Artothek in 1979 by the then Executive City Councillor for Cultural Affairs, Dr. Helmut Zilk, this service has been offering all citizens of Vienna the possibility of borrowing artworks for their homes. The changing stock of artworks from the collection of the Department for Cultural Affairs of the City of Vienna is composed of 1,200 to 1,500 drawings, watercolours and mixed-technique works with a great variety of prints.

The Artothek defines itself as an experimental lab and acts as an interface between Vienna’s population, contemporary Viennese artists, and collectors. On the one hand, living together – for a limited period of time – with various artworks of different styles creates a direct link with modern Viennese art and hence contributes towards greater understanding for contemporary artistic production. On the other hand, the idea of fostering art and artists through the purchases effected each year by the Department for Cultural Affairs of the City of Vienna is thus immediately communicated to potential purchasers, thereby stimulating the interest in collecting art.

From the stock of originals, up to four artworks may be taken out on loan for a period not exceeding twelve months. All artworks on paper are mounted in passepartouts and presented in aluminium frames with plexiglass. The loan charge is Euro 2.50 per artwork and month and must be paid in advance since this amount also covers an insurance premium. For their first artwork loan, clients must bring along an official identity card with photo and furnish information about their place of residence.

Opening hours
Tue-Fri, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Thu, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Sat, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Closed on Mon, Sun and holidays

Contacts
Alena Bilek | Michaela Nagl
Phone: +43 1 4000-84750
E-mail: artothek@musa.at