“Constant Change!” - Outlook for the Future

The 25th-anniversary exhibition celebrating 25 years of the MuseumsQuartier Wien, titled “Vision & Resistance” and curated by Andreas Nierhaus, opens on June 29 at MQ Freiraum and will be on view from June 30, 2026, to January 25, 2027.

The exhibition explores the MQ’s ongoing evolution as a vibrant space of constant change. The MQ’s sometimes turbulent evolution from the former Messe Palace into one of the world’s largest cultural and museum complexes reflects a democratic process involving experts, initiatives, individual interests, the media, and politics. The built outcome is the result of an intensive and broad-based negotiation process.

A process that is not yet complete, but one that can continually evolve and adapt to new challenges and demands. With great dedication, MQ Director Bettina Leidl has brought the vision of an energy-efficient and environmentally conscious cultural complex, “MQ goes Green” (in collaboration with D\D Landscape Planning) to life. A process that has been met with a very positive response from numerous visitors. And the political commitment to expanding the museum district to accommodate the new premises of the “Haus der Geschichte Österreich” (O&O Baukunst) also illustrates how ongoing change is a constant in development.

The discussion, like the exhibition, aims to open up new perspectives for the future of a multifunctional urban space that has become an indispensable part of the city and has been warmly embraced by the public as a public gathering place. All progress requires transformation. What might the MQ look like the day after tomorrow, and what is the social significance of culture in these turbulent international times?

Following the presentation and discussion, the MQ invites you to join us for an informal get-together with finger food and drinks.

Panelists:
Andreas Nierhaus, Bettina Leidl, Franziska Leeb, and Laurids Ortner

Moderator:
Volker Dienst (architektur in progress)

• Registration is required.
• The event will be held in German.