de/en
Heidi Horten Collection
Tickets
 

OPEN: 

The Museum for the Heidi Horten Collection opened on June 3, 2022

After almost two years of extensive construction work, the opening date for Heidi GoëssHorten’s new private museum in downtown Vienna has been set. The next ENTERprise’s team of architects has transformed the former archducal chancellery building into a contemporary museum with an eye-catching, ambitious design. Under the title OPEN, visitors had the opportunity to experience it for the first time in all its glory.

The picture shows a poster for the opening of the Heidi Horten Collection in Vienna.
At the top, the word "OPEN" is written in large red letters

Underneath it says:
“HEIDI HORTEN COLLECTION - from June 3, 2022”.
This shows the start date of the first exhibition in the new museum.

The modern architecture of the museum can be seen in the background.
Stairs, walls and ceilings are painted in bright colors -
orange, purple, yellow and pink.

The address of the museum is at the bottom:
Hanuschgasse 3, 1010 Vienna
and the website: www.hortencollection.com

Heidi Goëss-Horten about the project so dear to her heart

“I envision my museum as a place of discovery, of sensory experience for the enjoyment of art—because this is what art has always been and always will be for me: a pleasure I cannot live without! It is my deepest wish that people visiting my museum feel the same way.”
 

Like the collection itself, this museum originated in a private initiative. It represents another milestone in the steady evolution of the Heidi Horten Collection, and the art community has been eagerly anticipating it. In 2018, at the Leopold Museum in Vienna, Heidi Goëss-Horten displayed masterpieces from her extensive collection, ranging from classical Modernism to Pop Art to contemporary art. The overwhelming public interest in that endeavor provided the impetus for conserving the vast collection for future generations and sharing it with society.

“By building her museum, Heidi Goëss-Horten has launched her collection toward a cultural future in which it will help define the canon of the history of public art. Its unveiling constitutes a significant contribution to the museum landscape of her hometown of Vienna and, moreover, provides an entirely new opportunity for this exquisite collection to develop. With it, Heidi Horten has joined a long line of women collectors whose vision led them to create forums for public engagement with art,” says Agnes Husslein-Arco, Director of the Heidi Horten Collection.

Prominently located in the heart of Vienna between the State Opera, the Albertina, and the Burggarten, the former archducal chancellery building makes an ideal location for the collection. Built in 1914 by Archduke Friedrich, the former administrative building was transformed over a period of approximately twenty months into a museum of modern and contemporary art based on the next ENTERprise architects’ design.

Linked by free-floating staircases, the three exhibition levels provide a generous amount of floor space totaling about 1,500 meters. A studio with a terrace provides space for creative educational activities, which Heidi Goëss-Horten is particularly passionate about. The Tea Room is a unique part of the museum because of its historical dimension. Designed by artists Markus Schinwald and Hans Kupelwieser, it is the ideal spot for visitors to relax after touring the museum, a place to immerse themselves in the collector’s world. A small museum garden serves as a display area for sculptures from the collection and is an unexpected oasis of tranquility amid the urban bustle.

The museum’s inaugural exhibition entitled “OPEN” will highlight its striking architecture and invite visitors to discover the new interior spaces. It will effectively stage the building with selected sculptures, light works, and installations. Incorporating new media formats and emerging contemporary approaches, the works on display vividly illustrate the collection’s forward-looking development.

Slated for the fall of 2022, the museum’s next themed exhibition will honor its founder, focusing on one of the key components of her collection: portraits of women and aspects of womanhood. Fashion will take center stage as a pervasive paradigm for the zeitgeist, society, and its transformations. Austrian designer Arthur Arbesser will showcase selected haute couture pieces from Heidi Goëss-Horten’s private collection alongside works by Kees van Dongen, August Macke, Andy Warhol, and contemporary contributions by Sylvie Fleury, Lena Henke, Birgit Jürgenssen, Michèle Pagel, and others.

The museum’s chief aim is to provide visitors with a broad range of ways to experience all the different facets of the collection and present special exhibitions that address themes inherent to it. With the Heidi Horten Collection museum, Vienna—a city with a great affinity to art and culture—has acquired yet another jewel in its cultural crown.

A catalog on the architecture of the building and its history will be available at the opening, as well as a publication on the exhibition.

On Helmut Horten’s asset accumulation

The academic evaluation of Helmut Horten’s entrepreneurial activity during the Second World War was an objective of the collector and of the Helmut Horten Foundation. Heidi Goëss-Horten thus commissioned historian Prof. Dr. Peter Hoeres (University of Würzburg) to write a scientific report on Helmut Horten’s build-up of assets and business in the context of “Aryanization” during the “Third Reich.” The academic research carried out by Prof. Dr. Hoeres took place based on scientific priorities. The results show a differentiated picture of the businessman Helmut Horten and correct some rumors.

The expert report was published on the website of the Chair of Modern History at the History Department of the Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg and is available here (German Version).

A summary of the study is available in this press section.

The catalogue about the Heidi Horten Collection is available for download here.

The exhibition catalogue OPEN is available for download here.

Press tours are offered in the week leading up to the opening between May 30th and June 1st. For reservations, please email [email protected]

Further inquiries:

Pia Sääf, press and communication
M: [email protected]
T: +43 664 8454084

Press images

Click on the specific images to download a high-res image (.ZIP File) 

Heidi Horten with long, wavy blonde hair wears pearl necklaces and earrings, smiling softly against a blurred background.

Heidi Goëss-Horten

The photo shows Heidi Horten.
She is sitting in an armchair and holding a small white dog on her lap.
Heidi Horten is wearing dark clothing, large pieces of jewelry and blue glasses.
She smiles friendly into the camera.

Behind her hangs a large painting by Francis Bacon.
The picture shows a seated figure, painted in a very expressive and unusual way - typical of Bacon's style.

Next to Heidi Horten is a small table.
On it are catalogs, e.g. the “WOW” catalog of the Heidi Horten Collection.
At the top of the table is a white model of the museum building.

Heidi Goëss-Horten

Heidi Goëss-Horten in front of a work by Francis Bacon, 2019 Photo: Ouriel Morgensztern, © Heidi Horten Collection

Two women pose together, one in a red dress and the other in a sparkly pink outfit, with a Picasso painting behind them.

Heidi Goëss-Horten and Agnes Husslein-Arco, 2018, Photo: Andreas Tischler, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Modern lounge with pink sofas, a textured red ceiling installation, and wallpaper depicting elegant interiors.

Tea Room, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com / Manuel Carreon Lopez

Markus Schinwald, Tea Room, 2022 Hans Kuppelwieser, Deckenrelief, 2022 © Foto Lukas Schaller

The photo shows the Tea Room in the Heidi Horten Collection museum in Vienna.

A large, red work of art by Hans Kupelwieser hangs from the ceiling.
It looks like crumpled paper or shiny fabric, but
is made of aluminum.

There are lots of round windows on the back wall - they look like portholes.
Behind them are small, precious objects from Heidi Horten's collection.

This showcase wall was designed by Markus Schinwald.
The pink seating in the middle of the room is also part of his concept.
They invite you to sit down, look and relax.

The walls are covered with large fabric pictures,
reminiscent of an old café or castle room.

Tea Room, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com / Manuel Carreon Lopez

Markus Schinwald, Tea Room, 2022 Hans Kuppelwieser, Deckenrelief, 2022 © Photo Lukas Schaller

The photo shows the Tea Room in the Heidi Horten Collection museum in Vienna.

A large, red work of art by Hans Kupelwieser hangs from the ceiling.
It looks like crumpled paper or shiny fabric, but
is made of aluminum.

There are lots of round windows on the back wall - they look like portholes.
Behind them are small, precious objects from Heidi Horten's collection.

This showcase wall was designed by Markus Schinwald.
The pink seating in the middle of the room is also part of his concept.
They invite you to sit down, look and relax.

The walls are covered with large fabric pictures,
reminiscent of an old café or castle room.

Tea Room, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com / Manuel Carreon Lopez

Markus Schinwald, Tea Room, 2022 Hans Kuppelwieser, Deckenrelief, 2022 © Photo Lukas Schaller

The photo shows the showcase wall in the Tea Room of the Heidi Horten Collection Museum in Vienna.

This showcase wall was designed by Markus Schinwald. Behind it are small, precious objects from Heidi Horten's collection.

Tea Room, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com / Manuel Carreon Lopez

Markus Schinwald, Tea Room, 2022 © Photo Lukas Schaller

The photo shows a window in the display case wall in the Tea Room. The Tea Room is located in the Heidi Horten Collection museum in Vienna.

This showcase wall was designed by Markus Schinwald. Behind it are small, precious objects from Heidi Horten's collection. Here you can see a golden figure in the shape of a stag.

Tea Room, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com / Manuel Carreon Lopez

Markus Schinwald, Tea Room, 2022 © Photo Lukas Schaller

Sculpture of a seated figure with a cross on its back in a green courtyard, framed by trees and a yellow building.

Sculpture Garden, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com / Manuel Carreon Lopez

This artwork is by Barry Flanagan, an artist from Wales who has often made bronze hares. The sculpture shows a large, heavy anvil - a tool that was once used for forging. On this anvil stands a funny, playful rabbit figure. The rabbit looks as if it is dancing or making a crazy movement. Its long ears are sticking up and its arms and legs are greatly exaggerated.

Barry Flanagan liked to make characters that show imagination and have a bit of humor. For him, the rabbit is not a normal animal, but rather a symbol of lightness, creativity and fun. The strong contrast between the heavy, solid anvil and the moving, light hare makes the work particularly interesting. It shows that art does not always have to be serious - it can also surprise, delight and make people smile.

The material is dark bronze. It looks noble and heavy, but fits in well with Flanagan's playful style. The sculpture stands outside in a meadow. There it comes to life even more because the light, shadows and surroundings change. The hare almost seems as if it is about to hop off.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Sculpture Garden, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com / Manuel Carreon Lopez

Barry Flanagan, Left- and Right-Handed Nijinsky on Anvil Point, 1999

Agnes Husslein-Arco poses in a ruffled white dress, seated with hands clasped, against a patterned backdrop.

Director of the Heidi Horten Collection, Agnes Husslein-Arco

Agnes Husslein-Arco, 2019 © Sabine Wiedenhofer

Agnes Husslein-Arco in a green and white patterned dress stands in an art gallery, with a colorful painting visible in the background.

Director of the Heidi Horten Collection, Agnes Husslein-Arco

Marie-Therese Harnoncourt-Fuchs and Ernst J. Fuchs pose confidently against a light background, showcasing their stylish attire.

Marie-Therese Harnoncourt, Ernst J. Fuchs 
(the next ENTERprise architects)

®christian redtenbacher

Historic yellow building with a modern glass structure beside it, surrounded by green grass and bare trees.

Heidi Horten Collection

Photo: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

Elegant yellow building with modern glass entrance, illuminated at dusk, showcasing the Heidi Horten Collection.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

Entrance of the Heidi Horten Collection, featuring a yellow wall, glass revolving doors, and modern architectural design.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

Curved concrete staircase suspended in a modern, bright atrium with large windows and minimalist design.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

Spacious interior with a glossy floor, large windows, and a staircase on the left under a bright, grid-patterned ceiling.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

Curved concrete staircase with minimalistic design, set against a bright, white-walled interior.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

The exhibition levels of the Heidi Horten Collection photographed from below.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

Modern staircase with a wooden handrail, leading to a spacious, minimalistic interior with geometric ceiling lights.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

Modern interior featuring a curved staircase, white walls, and a bright ceiling, with polished flooring and minimalistic design.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

Modern interior with angular architecture, large windows, and a minimalist design featuring white walls and wooden flooring.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

A minimalist courtyard features a bare tree on a raised platform, surrounded by smooth walls and a clear blue sky.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

A narrow hallway with pink walls, a glossy ceiling, and a mirrored end featuring a dark floral arrangement.

Heidi Horten Collection

Foto: Rupert Steiner, (c) Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Rupert Steiner © Heidi Horten Collection

Construction site interior featuring steel beams, scaffolding, and scattered building materials on a concrete floor.

Documentation of constructions

Foto: Stefan Oláh, © Heidi Horten Collection, Bildrecht Wien, 2022

xyz haxi

Documentation of constructions

Baudokumentation Heidi Horten Collection Foto: Stefan Oláh ©Heidi Horten Collection

A vibrant turquoise background scattered with various butterflies in different colors and sizes.

Damien Hirst, Love, Love, Love, 1995 © Heidi Horten Collection, Vienna, 2022

Colorful abstract artwork featuring masks, figures, and the Paramount logo, blending styles of Warhol and Basquiat.

Andy Warhol & Jean-Michel Basquiat, Collaboration (Paramount), 1984/85 © Heidi Horten Collection, Bildrecht, Vienna 2025

Neon pink heart shape formed by the words "Fucking Beautiful" in cursive against a dark background.

Tim Noble & Sue Webster, Fucking Beautiful (Hot Neon Pink), 2000 Heidi Horten Collection, © Bildrecht, Vienna, 2025

A large, stylized pig sculpture in shades of purple with a textured surface, standing on a concrete floor.

Lena Henke, UR Mutter, 2019 Heidi Horten Collection, © die Künstlerin

A bronze rabbit sculpture stands in a gallery with a spiral staircase and paintings on the wall.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Black monkey sculpture sits on polished floor, with a golden sculpture in the background and green artwork on the wall.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

A black monkey sculpture sits on polished flooring, with a colorful circular light and a gold-accented abstract sculpture nearby.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition View: OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022 Foto © kunst-dokumentation.com

A pink sculpture and a gold instrument are displayed against a white wall with a colorful abstract artwork.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition View: OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022 Foto © kunst-dokumentation.com

Purple sculpture of a rhinoceros on a white pedestal in a modern art gallery with minimalist decor.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition View: OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022 Foto © kunst-dokumentation.com

A colorful sculpture resembling a heart stands on a white pedestal, with a neon heart-shaped sign glowing on the wall.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Gallery interior featuring a "Forever" neon sign, sculptures, and a wooden pedestal on herringbone wood flooring.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition View: OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022 Foto © kunst-dokumentation.com

Modern gallery interior featuring a sculpture, a mountain artwork, and colorful lighting.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition View: OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022 Foto © kunst-dokumentation.com

Art gallery interior featuring a colorful painting, a yellow artwork, and a neon sculpture on a polished floor.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition View: OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022 Foto © kunst-dokumentation.com

A metallic sculpture on a white pedestal in front of a colorful painting featuring abstract figures and text.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition View: OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022 Foto © kunst-dokumentation.com

Art gallery interior featuring three artworks on white walls and wooden herringbone flooring.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition View: OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022 Foto © kunst-dokumentation.com

Modern art gallery interior featuring a pink wall sculpture, a gray abstract sculpture on a pedestal, and an elevator.

Exhibition view OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022, Photo: © kunst-dokumentation.com/Manuel Carreon Lopez

Exhibition View: OPEN, Heidi Horten Collection, 2022 Foto © kunst-dokumentation.com