Since its foundation in 1933 the museum’s holdings comprise its own collection as well as permanent loans from St. Stephen’s Cathedral and from other ecclesiastical institutions in the Archdiocese of Vienna.

Sculptures, altar paintings, liturgical objects, and manuscripts all attest to the fact that the Catholic Church has been a major patron and promoter of developments in European art for over 2000 years.

The dialogue between art and the church continues to this day, as is evidenced by the extensive collection of Monsignor Otto Mauer, a priest and art connoisseur. Since our museum’s relaunch, the expansion of Mauer’s legendary collection and, with it, the promotion of contemporary art have moved to the center of our activities.