Museum of Applied Arts | Vienna

The MAK - Museum of Applied Arts (Museum für angewandte Kunst) in Vienna is one of the city's most prominent museums, showcasing a rich collection of applied and decorative arts, design, and contemporary craftsmanship. Founded in 1863, the museum is dedicated to the intersection of art, design, and functional objects, highlighting both historical and modern works that merge artistry with practicality.

History and Foundation

The MAK was established as the Imperial Royal Austrian Museum of Art and Industry in 1863, with the goal of promoting the applied arts in Austria. It was part of a broader effort to improve industrial design and craftsmanship, with a focus on educating artisans and designers. The museum's early years were linked to the Austrian Arts and Crafts Movement and its efforts to elevate the status of applied arts.

Over the years, the MAK has expanded its mission to include a broad spectrum of design, from historic decorative arts to contemporary works that explore the intersection of art, design, and technology. Today, it remains a leading institution for showcasing design innovations, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, sustainability, and cutting-edge design practices.

Architecture

The MAK's building itself is a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity. Located along the Stadtpark in central Vienna, the museum occupies a historic 19th-century building designed by the architect Heinrich von Ferstel, the same architect behind the Votive Church and the Austrian National Bank.

The grand neoclassical exterior with a prominent portico and columns gives a sense of the museum's historical prestige. Inside, the museum has undergone several renovations, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, to accommodate contemporary exhibition needs. One of the most significant modern interventions was the addition of a new exhibition wing, designed by the renowned architect Laurids Ortner, which complements the museum’s traditional architecture while introducing minimalist, modern elements.

The museum's interior is equally impressive, featuring vast galleries, spacious halls, and innovative exhibition spaces that allow for both permanent and temporary exhibitions to be displayed effectively.

Collections

The MAK's collection is divided into several key areas, with works spanning from the medieval period to the present day. Key collection categories include:

Historic Applied Arts:

• The museum boasts a remarkable collection of furniture, ceramics, glass, silver, and textiles, representing various periods of history, including the Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau movements.
• Notably, the museum holds a strong collection of works from the Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Workshops), a collaborative group of artists and designers that flourished in the early 20th century and produced distinctive, high-quality pieces of furniture, textiles, and decorative objects. Artists like Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann, and Otto Wagner were key figures in this movement, which sought to merge art with everyday life.

Design and Contemporary Art:

• The MAK is renowned for its dedication to contemporary design, with regular exhibitions showcasing innovative works from global designers. These exhibitions often highlight cutting-edge practices in industrial design, graphic design, and architecture, as well as design's relationship to new technologies.
• The museum also collects and exhibits experimental design and conceptual art that challenge traditional notions of function and aesthetics.

Craftsmanship and Craft:

• A distinctive aspect of the MAK collection is its commitment to craftsmanship, with exhibits emphasizing handcrafts such as weaving, metalworking, and glassblowing. These objects, which bridge the gap between art and utility, are celebrated for their beauty as well as their craftsmanship.

Furniture and Interior Design:

• The museum also has an extensive collection of furniture and interior design pieces, covering periods ranging from the Renaissance to Bauhaus, and continuing into more contemporary eras. These works demonstrate the evolution of design principles, materials, and techniques, and illustrate how functional design can also be aesthetically significant.

Architecture:

• The MAK houses a significant collection of architectural models and drawings, with a special emphasis on Viennese architecture. The museum holds examples of architectural projects from major figures like Otto Wagner, Adolf Loos, and Friedensreich Hundertwasser, whose work had a profound impact on Vienna's urban landscape.

Notable Exhibitions

The MAK is known for its dynamic and ever-changing exhibition program, which includes both temporary and permanent exhibits. Notable exhibitions in the museum’s history have focused on:

• Contemporary Design Trends: Showcasing influential designers, manufacturers, and movements that shape modern-day product and furniture design.
• Wiener Werkstätte: Special exhibits dedicated to the iconic Austrian design collective, exploring its legacy in applied art and design.
• Textile Art: Exhibitions focusing on the artistry and craftsmanship behind textiles and fashion design.
• Craftsmanship: Celebrating traditional and modern crafts, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of handcrafts in the age of mass production.

The MAK Library and Archives

The MAK Library is one of the most important collections of its kind in Europe, containing thousands of volumes dedicated to the fields of design, architecture, and applied arts. The library serves as a research center for design scholars, offering access to rare books, periodicals, and exhibition catalogs.

The MAK Archives document the museum’s history and the development of Austrian applied arts, featuring design sketches, correspondence, and documentation from notable designers and architects.

Public Programs and Educational Initiatives

The MAK offers a range of educational programs aimed at both children and adults, including workshops, lectures, and special guided tours. The museum is also known for its Design Lab, where visitors can interact with design processes and participate in hands-on learning activities.

In addition, the MAK Design Shop offers unique design products inspired by the museum’s collections, making it a destination for design enthusiasts seeking high-quality, contemporary items.

Conclusion

The MAK - Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna is a vital institution dedicated to the celebration of design, craftsmanship, and the applied arts. Its diverse collection, ranging from historical to contemporary works, offers insight into the evolution of design and its cultural significance. With its combination of stunning architecture, vast collections, and innovative exhibitions, the MAK is an essential stop for anyone interested in the intersection of art, design, and everyday life.