MAK - MUSEUM OF APPLIED ARTS
The Museum of Applied Art was founded on March 7, 1863, thanks to the efforts of Rudolf von Eitelberger and his uncle, who
influenced the Emperor Franz Joseph to found a museum, and on May 12, 1874 the museum was opened next to the Vienna Hofburg.
A year later the publishing of the museum's corporate magazine began, which continued until 1897.
In 1866 it became clear that the museum did not have enough free space then Rudolf von Eitelberger as the museum director began
preparing the translation of the exhibition in one of the planned buildings of the Imperial Forum, which was to be located opposite
the Hofburg. However, as you know, it was built only two buildings from the planned - the twin museums of Natural Sciences and the
Historical and Artistic. After the construction project opposite the Hofburg was rejected by the Emperor, a place was chosen for the
construction next to the city park.
November 15, 1871 the museum was opened at its current location. The building was built according to the second project of Emperor
Franz Joseph. In 1900 the museum received full self-government, independent of the state, a year later the Museum of Arts
separated from the museum.
After the fall of the Habsburg Empire, part of the museum's exposition, namely the antique collection was transported to the Museum
of Art History.
During the occupation of Nazi Germany from 1938 to 1945 the museum was renamed the State Museum of Arts and Crafts. Later, the
previous name was returned.