The focus that the MAK Contemporary Art Collection places on cutting-edge art and architecture is reflected in the idea that architecture provides a framework for contemporary art. Exploring the function and significance of architecture is a standard subject of visual art.
Built in World War II under the Nazi regime, the flak or combat tower dominates, together with the neighboring command tower, the cityscape around Arenbergpark. The altogether six air defense towers, which can not be demolished due to their situation in densely built-up urban areas, are among the biggest blockhouse buildings worldwide. Today, the monolithic reinforced-concrete constructions are landmarked historical memorials. The towers were planned as self-sufficient architectural structures and also served as air-raid shelters and hospital for the civilian population.
Since 1995, the MAK Tower, formerly the MAK Depot of Contemporary Art, has been one of the MAK’s branch museums and was used until 2011 as a repository of the MAK Contemporary Art Collection, partly accessible to the public, as well as for events in the areas of visual art and architecture. Expansive installations by Brigitte Kowanz, Atelier Van Lieshout, or Ilya & Emilia Kabakov connect to the irremovable memory of the site, outlining different approaches in coming to terms with history from a visual art perspective.
The positioning of the MAK Tower as a contemporary art branch is currently being redefined under the directorship of Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, with the focus on transparency and the opening up of a historically burdened site by making it a beacon of active social engagement. The MAK Tower is currently being refurbished, with the plan being to expand the existing museum repository spaces with new exhibition areas and presentations of MAK Permanent Exhibitions. In the coming years, the MAK Tower will be reopened as a platform and site of experimentation for contemporary art, design, and architecture to be successively developed into one of the largest and most high-profile institutional art centers in Vienna and a laboratory of contemporary art.
Built in World War II under the Nazi regime, the flak or combat tower dominates, together with the neighboring command tower, the cityscape around Arenbergpark. The altogether six air defense towers, which can not be demolished due to their situation in densely built-up urban areas, are among the biggest blockhouse buildings worldwide. Today, the monolithic reinforced-concrete constructions are landmarked historical memorials. The towers were planned as self-sufficient architectural structures and also served as air-raid shelters and hospital for the civilian population.
Since 1995, the MAK Tower, formerly the MAK Depot of Contemporary Art, has been one of the MAK’s branch museums and was used until 2011 as a repository of the MAK Contemporary Art Collection, partly accessible to the public, as well as for events in the areas of visual art and architecture. Expansive installations by Brigitte Kowanz, Atelier Van Lieshout, or Ilya & Emilia Kabakov connect to the irremovable memory of the site, outlining different approaches in coming to terms with history from a visual art perspective.
The positioning of the MAK Tower as a contemporary art branch is currently being redefined under the directorship of Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, with the focus on transparency and the opening up of a historically burdened site by making it a beacon of active social engagement. The MAK Tower is currently being refurbished, with the plan being to expand the existing museum repository spaces with new exhibition areas and presentations of MAK Permanent Exhibitions. In the coming years, the MAK Tower will be reopened as a platform and site of experimentation for contemporary art, design, and architecture to be successively developed into one of the largest and most high-profile institutional art centers in Vienna and a laboratory of contemporary art.
MAK Tower
Gefechtsturm Arenbergpark / Dannebergplatz 6 / Barmherzigengasse1030 Vienna
T +43 1 711 36-231
Wheelchair access on ground floor
Due to unexpected urgent repair work to the Gefechtsturm Arenbergpark, the MAK Depot of Contemporary Art is closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.
For information T +43 1 711 36-231 or
Admission
(incl. participation in a guided tour)€ 7.90 / reduced € 5.50
Free Admission for children and teens up to 19
The admission ticket is also valid for a visit to the MAK on the same day.
