A Cultural District of a New Dimension: The Mission Statement

The mission statement of the MuseumsQuartier Wien was developed in 1999 by MQ Errichtungs- und Betriebsgesell-
schaft (MQ E+B) together with all of the MQ institutions. The following wording was agreed:

The MuseumsQuartier Wien is part of a cultural district that extends from the Hofburg Palace in the city's historic
center to Vienna's 7th District. The MuseumsQuartier represents an attractive combination of independent new
architecture and revitalized historic buildings. The urban strategy links the quarter with the city and redefines itself
with clear and impressive structures. The architectural team Ortner & Ortner and architect Manfred Wehdorn created
optimum spaces for art and spectacular places for visitors.

The MuseumsQuartier is home to numerous large, medium-sized, and small cultural facilities. It views itself as a
place for cultural diversity, experimentation, communication, and education, and continuous activity and change. As a
living, contemporary art and cultural center, the MuseumsQuartier represents an expanded multidisciplinary under-
standing of culture.

The MuseumsQuartier guarantees diversity of content through its various facilities. The institutions represented in the
MQ have diverse objectives and programs. They are not hierarchically organized and are autonomously managed and
advertised. At the same time, the principle of "As much autonomy as possible, as many commonalities as necessary"
ensures that facilities are shared to the extent necessary for the successful operation of the complex as a whole.

The divergent use profile of the individual institutions allows for an extraordinary, culturally oriented diversity of uses.
The confederation promotes constructive confrontation and attractive competition while complementing the content of the
individual institutions. Joint objectives and interests are coordinated and actively pursued. The content ranges from art of
the 19th and 20th century to initiatives that anticipate future trends.

The coexistence of all these facilities characterizes the complex character of the MuseumsQuartier. The MuseumsQuartier
is conceived as a shared venue with a shared identity, and its positioning in the market makes it a new paradigm for the
creation, organization, operation, and marketing of museum and cultural landscapes.

Event - Highlights