Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Vienna

Founded in Vienna in 2002 by Francesca von Habsburg, Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary is committed to supporting the production of contemporary art and is actively involved in commissioning and disseminating unconventional projects that defy traditional disciplinary categorizations, TBA21 sustains a far-reaching regional and international orientation and explores modes or presentation that are intended to broaden the viewers’ perception.

Founded in Vienna in 2002 by Francesca von Habsburg, Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary (TBA21) represents the fourth generation of the Thyssen family’s commitment to the arts. The foundation is dedicated primarily to the commissioning and dissemination of ambitious, experimental, and unconventional projects that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. This approach has gained the collection a pioneering reputation throughout the world. The foundation’s projects promote artistic practices that are architectural, context- and site-specific, performative, and often informed by an interest in social aesthetics and environmental concerns. Many of the projects reflect the shift to transdisciplinary practices embracing architecture, sound, music, and science. The cross-pollination of disciplines challenges interpretation and the traditions of collecting, preserving, and presenting works of art. This approach reflects the vision of Francesca von Habsburg.

In addition, TBA21 shares its collection and commissions with numerous museums and public institutions. Most commissions initiated and produced by the foundation form an integral part of major contemporary art exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale, the Istanbul Biennial, and documenta, where new works are very much on the agenda. In past years, crossover performative projects were realized through a number of collaborations, notably with the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin, Artangel in London, and the Wiener Festwochen. Since May 2012 Vienna’s Augarten park has been transformed into a revitalized center for the arts under the aegis of Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary. TBA21–Augarten marks the inception of a four-year collaborative relationship with the Belvedere and presents artists’ individual stances and artistic dialogues through works drawn from the foundation’s collection. TBA21’s complementary live-arts program is presented on David Adjaye’s open-air stage, which hosts a lively series of spoken-word performances, concerts, and related activities, along with the new café/restaurant Die AU and a bookshop stocked with selected publications. The aim of TBA21–Augarten is to fill its project space with complex and critical programming, as well as to breathe new life into the Augarten as a social and cultural meeting place. Since June 2013 admission to the exhibition venue has been free.

Visitor Service & General Information
T +43 1 513 98 56-24
email: augarten@tba21.org

Café/ Restaurant Die Au
T +43 1 34 26 55
reservierung@dieAU.info

ACCESSIBILITY

barrier-free access to the exhibition space

HOW TO REACH

From the Opera House: from "Oper/Kärntner Ring" to "Am Tabor" by Tram 2 (direction to "Friedrich-Engels-Platz") – duration 17min

From the Stephansdom: from "Stephansplatz" to "Schwedenplatz" by Autobus 3A (direction to "Schottenring") – from "Schwedenplatz" to "Am Tabor" by Tram 2 (direction to "Friedrich-Engels-Platz") – duration 15min

From train station "Wien Mitte/Landstraße": from "Landstraße" to "Schwedenplatz" by metro U-Bahn U4 (direction to "Heiligenstadt") – from "Schwedenplatz" to "Am Tabor" by Tram 2 (direction to "Friedrich-Engels-Platz") – duration 15min

From train station "Wien Nord/Praterstern": from "Praterstern" to "Am Tabor" by Tram 5 (direction to "Westbahnhof") – duration 10min

ADMISSION

Free admission