MUSA Museum Startgalerie Artothek, Contemporary art museum near Rathaus, Vienna, Austria
MUSA Museum Startgalerie Artothek is a contemporary art museum in Vienna that displays works by Austrian artists and operates as an art lending library. The spaces present rotating exhibitions of modern art forms across multiple levels.
The building was constructed in the early 1900s as one of Vienna's first reinforced concrete structures, showing the architecture of that era. Its conversion to an art museum and lending library is a more recent development that opened the space to contemporary use.
The name reflects a dual purpose: showcasing contemporary work while making art accessible to everyone. Visitors encounter a place where modern creation is woven into daily life rather than kept behind barriers.
The museum sits in the inner city center, accessible by several public transport routes, making it easy to reach the galleries. The art lending section works well for those who want to borrow pieces, and staff can guide you through the process.
A surprising aspect is that Vienna residents can borrow artworks like books to enjoy in their homes. This transforms the experience into something more personal, where art becomes part of daily living rather than confined to museum walls.
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