General Information About the MQ

With a total area of 114.00 m2, 61 cultural institutions, and over five million visitors, the MuseumsQuartier Wien is one of the world’s largest art and culture complexes. The MQ sees itself as a diverse and cosmopolitan art and culture complex with significant international appeal. It is a place where people can come together, linger, and experience culture in all its facets. This urban complex is firmly rooted in the hearts of Viennese residents and is a must-see destination for tourists visiting Vienna. The combination of major museums, dining options, events, artistic interventions in public spaces, and international networks creates a unique art ecosystem. All of this unfolds in an atmosphere where contemporary architecture meets historic buildings.

The area is open around the clock with free admission, complemented by some 50 iconic, colorful MQ seating units (Enzis), which make the public space versatile for a variety of uses. The MQ Main Courtyard is the largest enclosed square in the capital; in the summer, the MQ Summer Stage extends the evening hours beyond museum closing times, and in winter hosts “Winter at the MQ” with punch and an ice curling rink, bringing visitors into direct contact with art and culture. 1,250 streetlights, 46 stairwells, 28 elevators, 120 bike racks, and 10 entrances keep the complex running and make it accessible to everyone.

Download text

The 2026 anniversary year is themed “Generation MQ.” For 25 years—a quarter-century—the MuseumsQuartier Wien has been one of Europe’s most influential cultural hubs, where art, culture, and life blend in a unique way. 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 it to life today with new perspectives.

In doing so, the MQ is celebrating not only an anniversary, but also the long, ongoing 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, from the very beginning, has been regarded as the “Viennese living room,” an “oasis in the city,” and a “third place.”

“The theme for our anniversary year in 2026 is ‘Generation MQ.’ With this, we celebrate the people who have shaped or continue to shape the MQ in unique ways, as well as everyone who finds inspiration here. A special highlight is the major anniversary exhibition at MQ Freiraum on the history of the MQ. It traces the transformation of the site into the world’s most successful cultural complex.” – Bettina Leidl, Director of the MuseumsQuartier Wien

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

Download text

The comprehensive sustainability strategy “MQ goes Green” is driving forward the vision of an energy-efficient and environmentally conscious campus. The goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Through sustainable measures, the MQ is making an important contribution to the transformation of society: It aims to impart knowledge on the topic of sustainability, stimulate discourse, and provide creative inspiration.

In October 2025, the temporary “MQ Treepods” were transplanted into the MQ main courtyard as four permanently established islands of climate-resilient trees, perennials, and grasses. The first phase of the permanent landscaping of the MQ site covers the axis from the main entrance to the portico of Hall E+G. The permanent planting of the remaining “MQ Treepods” will continue in the coming years.

Download text

You can find images under the "Press Photos" menu item.