On a floor space of 4,000 m2, the MAK Contemporary Art Collection is presented at the MAK Tower, a former flak tower in Arenbergpark in Vienna’s
3rd district.
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 MAK Contemporary Art Depot at the Arenbergpark (MAK Tower) is closed to the public due to a lack of official approval. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The MAK Contemporary Art Depot at the Arenbergpark (MAK Tower) is closed to the public due to a lack of official approval. We apologize for any inconvenience.
For information T +43 1 711 36-231 or
Related
MAK Collection
Contemporary Art Collection
Curator: Bärbel Vischer
The circa 1,500 works, work groups and bundles of documentation contained in this collection encompass the areas of fine art
and architecture: from avant-garde movements of the 1920s to current artistic stances, the holdings encompass works in various
media such as drawing, painting, photography video and film, as well as objects, sculptures, installations, environments and
architecture-related contributions including designs, models and animations.
