The preservation of heritage and embrace of the new.
The Belvedere is a World Heritage Site, a Baroque jewel, and the site of the Austrian State Treaty. It is both one of the oldest museums in the world and a venue for contemporary art. As one of the largest cultural institutions in the country and an Austrian landmark, we are faced with the challenge of evolving amidst the differing priorities of cultural and scientific demands, loyalty to the local community and tourism. While we follow our mission to preserve the past, we also seek to break new ground. We stand as a mediator of history and as an inconvenient interrogator of the present. We are the country's cultural hub of international standing, and exist in the transnational digital space.
The Belvedere is a museum of influence, a museum of relevance.
A museum of relevance has a presence in people’s minds and hearts. It is a point of reference in a disorienting present. A historical constant, it links the past with the future. It is independent. It sees itself as a learning and teaching organization. A museum of relevance takes a stand on contemporary issues and social policy. It raises its voice for art and its democratizing potential. It takes responsibility for ecological concerns about the planet. Its contribution to the development of society promotes social justice. Its attitude sets an example, its voice is heard.
Art is for everyone.
Culture is not a luxury for the so-called elite, but the foundation of a free society. Our exhibitions, educational programs, events, and digital content cater to a broad, diverse public, that is, everyone. We communicate in a credible, understandable, and interactive way, addressing real-life topics and current issues. For our visitors, this opens new perspectives and broadens the scope of action. They leave the museum richer for having entered.
The Belvedere is a place of engagement.
We are curious to see how our work is perceived and eager to learn from visitors and different communities. We provide a setting to bring people together. The diversity of our local community and the internationality of our visitors are reflected in – besides the Belvedere team itself – our exhibitions, in the topics we explore, and in our programs, which are driven by an equal appreciation for all.
Art, research, and education are our core domains.
The collection is at the heart of our work. Our mission is to bring historical art into the present by recognizing and conveying each work as an expression of an astute and creative contemporaneity. Respect and appreciation are the hallmarks of our collaboration with contemporary artists, as is our commitment to communicating their work in the best way possible. As scholars, we operate within networks. We share our knowledge, openly discuss research results, and learn from these exchanges.
