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Celebrate with us!

25 Years of MQ

Crowd of people around a large rectangular reflecting pool in front of historic buildings during daylight
© MuseumsQuartier Wien, Photo: Thomas Meyer

Under the theme “Generation MQ,” the 2026 anniversary year puts the spotlight on the people who have shaped the MQ since its opening in 2001 and those who are bringing life to it today. In doing so, the MQ is celebrating not just an anniversary, but the long, evolving story of a community of people who view the MQ itself as a living work of art. A place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together, creating an open community that has been using, enlivening, and inhabiting this space for a quarter of a century. A place that has been regarded from the very beginning as the “Viennese living room,” as an “oasis in the city,” as a “third place.”

For our anniversary year in 2026, we have established program priorities that explore the MQ’s rich and varied history and many facets, while placing the people of the MQ at the center.

The program on this page is updated regularly.

Anniversary Exhibition

Anniversary Films

Illuminated MuseumsQuartier building at night with fireworks and 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY!' text in the sky
© MuseumsQuartier Wien
MQ
MQ

Anniversary Campaign

Matt spricht mit...

W24

In the talk series ‘Matt spricht mit…’, Gerald Matt invites local and international figures from the worlds of art, culture and business to join him for a conversation. To mark the 25th anniversary of the MuseumsQuartier, this special edition focuses on the history, present and future of the MuseumsQuartier.

In conversation with MQ Director Bettina Leidl, exhibition curator Andreas Nierhaus and architect Laurids Ortner.

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Symposium: Hosting Futures – Kulturinstitutionen gestalten Zukunft

Large historic building with red roofs and several trees in front on a busy square with seating and people
© MuseumsQuartier Wien, Photo: Thomas Meyer

Anlässlich des 25-jährigen Jubiläums des MuseumsQuartier Wien beleuchtet das eintägige, international besetzte Symposium Hosting Futures, welche Rolle Kulturinstitutionen für die Zukunft und die aktive Mitgestaltung gesellschaftlicher Teilhabe spielen. Im Fokus stehen Fragen nach Verantwortung, Zugänglichkeit, Nachhaltigkeit und neuen Formen des Austauschs in Zeiten gesellschaftlicher Transformation.

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eSeL x MQ Memories

© MuseumsQuartier Wien, Foto: Klaus Pichler

The MQ chronicler eSeL (Lorenz Seidler) has been documenting events on the campus since 2001. The “eSeL x MQ Moments” project delves into the vibrant history of the MQ and uncovers legends, memories, and “rumors” surrounding legendary events and activities that took place there.

Enzi: A Cult Object

Review

Partnerships

White text on dark blue background reading 'ZWEI INSTITUTIONEN FEIERN 25 JAHRE' with MQ and Wikipedia logos below.
© MuseumsQuartier Wien

MQ x Wikipedia

On January 15, 2001, Wikipedia went online, driven by the belief that knowledge should be freely accessible. Twenty-five years later, it has become the world’s largest knowledge platform, constantly renewing itself while also reflecting societal developments. Wikipedia shares these values with the MQ, which over the past decades has evolved from imperial stables into one of the most vibrant arts and culture hubs in the world. The MQ extends its warmest congratulations on Wikipedia’s 25th anniversary and is presenting 25 freely usable images that illustrate the development, transformation, and unmistakable spirit of the cultural hub over the past 25 years.

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