Vienna museums stage Franz West exhibitions for his 80th birthday

Two Vienna museums are marking artist Franz West’s 80th birthday with exhibitions of his work, including what organisers call the largest retrospective to date, ORF reports. A third exhibition is on view at the Meyer Kainer art gallery.

At Albertina Modern, the exhibition “Revolution of Sculpture” runs until 29 March 2027 and focuses mainly on West’s objects. It brings together large and small works, wall pieces and room installations. The museum says its collection includes a wide range of his work, in part because it acquired the Essl Collection.

Albertina Modern director Angela Stief described the show as the largest retrospective of West ever held. It highlights his humour and his expanded understanding of sculpture. His often papier-mâché objects, including the “Lemur Heads”, are presented as approachable works. Near the exit, visitors can put on some of his prosthesis-like “Passstücke” and turn themselves into living statues.

Wien Museum’s exhibition, on view until 2 May 2027, traces West’s early development. It explores his initial interest in Friedensreich Hundertwasser, his engagement with Vienna’s history and its people, and his contacts with the Vienna Group. The exhibition also follows his path from childhood, with a Jewish intellectual mother and a father who dealt in coal, through periods of frustration towards a career as an artist. Friedl Kubelka, Josef Bauer and VALIE EXPORT are among the people featured.

The Wien Museum show also includes major works, among them “Zitat” and an untitled, oversized blue grid structure at the entrance. The two museums’ directors said the joint project brought together two of the city’s major art institutions. Visitors who attend both exhibitions can receive a discount.