Founded in 1863 as the Royal Art and Industry Museum and then becoming a globally well recognized institution in areas as contemporary art, applied arts and design, the MAK (Austrian Museum of Applied Arts / Contemporary Art), is often referred to with its collection and temporary exhibitions.
Whike the MAK Contemporary Art Collection has an international character, it dedicates a special place to the Austrian artists. Thanks to long-term collaborations with artists like Walter Pichler, Franz West and Heimo Zobernig, the museum has the primary mission to emphasize site-specific artistic production and to approach exhibition as a medium in itself.
The museum has an important place in design world as well. The MAK Design LAB continues to enrich the literature in the field of design with its research program. On the other hand, the museum targets visibility in Vienna’s urban texture, exhibiting public and site-specific projects both in various parts of the city and on its own building façade.