Private Themed Tour of the Belvedere with an Art Historian: "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt: how it became the Symbol of the Viennese Art
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Ads all over Vienna lure viewers at every turn to the Belvedere to see 'the most famous kiss', on this tour you will understand what The Kiss is all about and decide for yourself whose arguments are more persuasive — art historians, marketers or viewers.
You will not only understand Klimt's style, but also see reflections of the the century turn in the work of this extraordinary artist.
We will trace Klimt's creative transformations from his early "Portrait of the Unknown Lady" to his unfinished "Bride", which was left in the studio when the artist was rushed by ambulance to hospital.
Klimt was long known as 'the portraitist of beautiful ladies', and we will see why today's scholarship believes Klimt felt the desires of his models better than his contemporary Sigmund Freud understood the problems of his patients.
On this tour, we'll take an in-depth look at Klimt's work, surrounded by his associates and competitors, and see why this particular artist is so important to Vienna.
If you not only want to see "The Kiss" but also find diverse meanings in Klimt's works, this tour of the Klimt collection in the Belvedere is for you.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Please come punctually to the meeting point at the main entrance of the Belvedere Palace. Your guide will be waiting for you on the left side of the main entrance of the Belvedere Palace (also called the Upper Belvedere). If you see a breathtaking view of Vienna, you found the meeting point. If you see the palace but not the city view, then please move to the entrance on the opposite side of the building. Just follow the "Museum entrance" sign. Use the contact details on your confirmation/voucher if you have any questions or difficulties finding the meeting point or your guide.
No pick-up available
What To Expect
Belvedere Museum
The National Gallery of Belvedere has the most impressive collection of Gustav Klimt’s canvases. Regardless of which aspect of his art you are interested in, in the Belvedere, you will find his portraits, landscapes, and the prominent works of his “Golden Period”.
Options
Standard
What‘s Included
Skip-the-line Admission Tickets to the Palace Belvedere (Upper Belvedere)
Professional Art Historian Guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect!
Margaret B,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a Wonderful and knowledgeable guide Julia- loved the tour - very thoughtful - unique perspectives!
Fantastic !
Aimee C,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was an art historian who made the tour so interesting, helping us (with two teens) to understand the language of art that was the baseline for why klimts work was so important. Fantastic knowledge, made it interesting and highly recommend Julia.
Private Tour Was Perfect!
Lonnie M,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a private tour with our group of four and it was amazing! Our tour guide was very friendly and super knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour!
Best way to know about Klimt
Francine S,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and conveyed the information in an engaging manner. We were very satisfied with the tour and would highly recommend this tour and guide.
Fabulous afternoon of learning!
Julia B,Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I wish I could award more than 5 stars! Julia was just a fountain of knowledge! So glad to have the complete story of Klimt and his works. It really made seeing The Kiss that much sweeter!
Great introduction to Klimt
Prianka V,Jun 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Julia was a great art historian, so many insights, well explained and patiently answered all questions.
Exceptional!
Jet48539550569,May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are so impressed by our guide's depth of knowledge and her systematic introduction to climate painting — THE KISS! Julia was thorough and dedicated. Wonderful experience and we absolutely recommend it!
What I missed in my college Humanities course.
I8897KApatrickm,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had an amazing experience at the Belvedere with our private tour guide Julia. She was so knowledgeable and passionate about conveying the why’s as well as the how’s of some of the great art at the Belvedere. Great discussion on the symbolic color choices dictated by tradition in the early religious painting which immediately inform the viewer, whether a current day art historian or a medieval peasant as to the status and motives of the subjects of the painting. As a neuroscientist I was impressed with the story behind the funny faces sculptures of Messerschmitt and can see how the changing times and increasing interest in psychiatry and psychoanalysis in the time of Freud, changed his reputation from a pariah to a visionary artist. Finally, the “Star”‘of the collection - the Klimpt paintings including the famous “The Kiss”. Julia described how the faces of his portraits are all beautiful (as dictated by his patrons), but pay attention to the hands and their gestures - those reveal the underlying emotion of the subject. Just a wonderful experience and highly recommended.
It was much more than a Klimt tour. It was a great in-depth art history tour!
Travel61511443422,Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did not expect this tour to go into the history of art in Austria from earlier periods, but our guide advised us to look at some pieces to trace the development of art, promising that it would make us appreciate Klimt's works more. And we really did learn to appreciate Klimt's creativity and talent more completely. Seeing how much Klimt was able to put into his art made us respect and admire his work so much more. The Kiss is a masterpiece like no other! We loved this tour and would highly recommend it!
Super educational
Ummara M,Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was very well informed and taught me a lot about art and its evolution. It has changed the way I appreciate art now.
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