Barockmuseum, Vienna

The Austrian Baroque Museum was established in conjunction with the restructuring of the Austrian museum system, with a particular focus on the Austrian Gallery. It officially opened its doors in 1923 within the Lower Belvedere, serving as an integral part of the Austrian Gallery. The museum displayed artworks from multiple sources, including loans from museums like the Art History Museum and the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts, as well as private collectors.

Initially, the museum occupied the west wing and the central marble hall of the Belvedere but underwent significant expansion in 1934, encompassing the entire building following the departure of ancient artifacts from Ephesus. After the necessary repairs due to war damage, the museum welcomed visitors once again on February 4, 1953. A further reorganization and expansion took place in 1974.

The museum's primary focus centered on Austrian art from the Baroque era, specifically from the years 1630 to 1780. Notably, the architectural design and interior decor of certain halls within the museum itself were significant works of the Baroque period. These included the Grotesque Hall, Marble Gallery, Hall of Mirrors, and Marble Hall.

Among the museum's most prominent works were sculptures created by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, renowned for his "character heads." Additionally, the collection featured artworks by Johann Michael Rottmayr, Franz Anton Maulbertsch, Paul Troger, and Martin Johann Schmidt, often referred to as "Kremser Schmidt." Noteworthy sculptures by Georg Raphael Donner, including "Prinzen Eugen" by Balthasar Permoser, were also on display.